“Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Charged in Connection to Death of Ricky Cobb II During Routine Traffic Stop”

– Minnesota state trooper charged in shooting of Ricky Cobb II
– Fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II by Minnesota state trooper during traffic stop.

Accident – death – Obituary News : Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Charged in Connection to death of Ricky Cobb II

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper has been charged in connection to the death of 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II, who was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 94 on July 31, 2023. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday that Trooper Ryan Londregan has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter.

According to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, the use of deadly force in this case was not justified. She stated, “While deadly force by peace officers is justified in some circumstances, the criminal complaint alleges the circumstances in this case did not justify the use of deadly force.” The decision to charge Londregan came after a thorough investigation conducted by her office and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Moriarty emphasized the importance of proper training for state patrol troopers, stating, “A critical component of the work of the Minnesota State Patrol is engaging with drivers during motor vehicle stops. Trooper Londregan did not follow this training.”

Londregan’s attorney, Chris Madel, expressed his disagreement with the charges in a video statement, accusing the county attorney of providing favorable treatment to criminals. He said, “This county attorney has provided sweetheart deals to murderers and kidnappers and now today she charges a hero. This county attorney is literally out of control. Open season on law enforcement must end, and it’s going to end with this case.”

Londregan, along with the two other troopers involved in the incident, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Internal Affairs Division.

Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, acknowledged the tragedy of Ricky Cobb II’s death and expressed sympathy for his family. He stated, “Any time a use-of-force incident ends with the loss of a life, it is tragic. Ricky Cobb II’s death is no different. This is a sad situation for everyone involved. We acknowledge the deep loss felt by Mr. Cobb’s family and friends. We also recognize the gravity of this situation for the State Patrol and our troopers tasked with making difficult split-second decisions.”

The Minnesota State Patrol is conducting a review of the Department of Public Safety’s training and policies in light of this incident.

The charges against Londregan come months after the release of body camera footage from the incident. The footage shows part of the fatal traffic stop, where Cobb was initially pulled over for driving without taillights. It was later discovered that Cobb was wanted for a felony-level violation. As troopers attempted to detain him, Cobb refused to comply and started to drive away. Londregan fired his gun, striking Cobb multiple times.

Ricky Cobb II’s family has been advocating for justice since his death, and they welcomed the decision to charge the trooper. Cobb’s mother, Nyra Fields-Miller, expressed her grief and stated, “Ryan Londregan stole my son from me. He gunned Ricky down, my son, for no reason while he was defenseless. Nothing can ever make up for that. But today’s decision is the first step toward closure and justice.”

The family is represented by attorneys Bakari Sellers, Harry Daniels, and F. Clayton Tyler, who thanked the County Attorney’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their investigation and transparency. Sellers stated, “This is an important first step for this family, for this community, and for the cause of accountability and justice across America.”

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty expressed her condolences to the Cobb family, acknowledging the devastating loss they have experienced. She said, “Our hearts are with Ricky Cobb’s family today, who are grieving an unimaginable loss. I know that they are devastated and will continue to feel this loss for the rest of their lives.”

The tragic death of Ricky Cobb II during a routine traffic stop has sparked national attention and raises important questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for conversations and reforms surrounding police accountability and the need for proper training and adherence to protocols..

– Minnesota state trooper charged in fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II during traffic stop
– Minnesota state trooper charged in shooting of Ricky Cobb II during traffic stop.