Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Ryan Londregan has been charged with second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop in Minneapolis over the summer. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the decision to file charges during a late Wednesday morning news conference, noting that “our hearts are with Ricky Cobb’s family today, who are grieving an unimaginable loss.”
According to the criminal complaint, Cobb was pulled over in the early hours of July 31 on Interstate 94 near Lowry Avenue in Minneapolis for not having his tail lights on. When other troopers positioned themselves at the driver’s side door, they asked Cobb to step out of the vehicle and informed him that it was a lawful arrest. At that moment, Londregan opened the passenger-side door, and when Cobb shifted the vehicle into drive and began moving forward, Londregan pulled his firearm and pointed it at Cobb. He then fired twice at Cobb’s torso, hitting him both times. Cobb later died at the scene.
In response to the charges, Londregan’s attorney, Chris Madel, released a video statement stating that “This county attorney is literally out of control. Open season on law enforcement must end, and it’s going to end with this case.” Nonetheless, the county attorney’s office is not seeking bail for Londregan but will be asking the court to require him to surrender his passport and firearms.
The State Patrol has pledged to conduct a critical incident review to examine and inform its training and policies. Coincidentally, the case comes amid growing public pressure to hold law enforcement officers accountable for any improper use of deadly force.
This case is yet another example of controversy surrounding law enforcement involved shootings. The family of Cobb has filed a complaint with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.
Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile, who was killed during a traffic stop in 2016, expressed relief upon learning that charges had been brought against Londregan, noting it “refreshing that people are being held accountable.” This sentiment is emblematic of the public’s growing demand for accountability and justice in cases of police-involved shootings.
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