Family Of Man Killed By Trooper On I-94 Hires Civil Rights Attorneys

MINNEAPOLIS — The family of Ricky Cobb II — who was shot and killed last month on Interstate 94 by a state trooper — has hired a team of civil rights attorneys in the wake of his death, the Strom Law Firm announced Monday.

Cobb, who was Black, was shot by Trooper Ryan Londregan after being pulled over around 2 a.m. July 31 in North Minneapolis for driving with his rear lights out, authorities have said.

The trooper who stopped Cobb realized he was wanted for a felony order-for-protection violation out of Ramsey County, according to authorities. Three troopers approached his car, asked him to get out, and tried to physically remove him when he refused, law enforcement have said, adding Londregan shot Cobb during the struggle.

Cobb was able to flee about a quarter-mile down the interstate but eventually died at the scene, according to authorities.

“I am so hurt. I’m confused. I’m speechless,” Cobb’s mother, Nyra Fields-Miller, said in the law firm’s news release. “It’s a nightmare because not only did someone kill my son, but the police knows who it is and he’s still a free man.”

A handgun and two cartridge casings were found inside Cobb’s vehicle, but at no point was he seen holding a gun on available video, according to investigators. Londregan and the other two troopers were placed on administrative leave.

“We welcome a swift, transparent and independent investigation,” said attorney Bakari Sellers, who is representing Cobb’s family. “Mr. Cobb’s family and his memory deserve at least that much.”