MN Trooper Charged With Murder In Deadly Shooting Of Driver On I-94

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota state trooper has been charged with murder in the deadly shooting of Ricky Cobb II following a traffic stop on Interstate 94 in July 2023.

Trooper Ryan Londregan faces one count each of second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said.

"A critical component of the work of the Minnesota State Patrol is engaging with drivers during motor vehicle stops," Moriarty said in a statement.

"This is something that State Troopers do every day, and, as a result, they receive extensive training on how to do so safely and effectively. Trooper Londregan did not follow this training. These charges are appropriate based on the thorough investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and attorneys in our office."

In his statement, Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, said that: "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."

Londregan will remain on paid leave while an investigation by the Department of Public Safety’s Internal Affairs Division is completed. The State Patrol is also conducting a critical incident review that will examine and inform our training and policies, Langer said.

According to investigators, on July 31 at 1:50 a.m., Minnesota state trooper Brett Seide saw a car drive past him on I-94 with rear lights turned off.

After he pulled the car over, Seide learned the driver — identified as Cobb — was wanted on probable cause arrest for a felony order-for-protection violation issued by Ramsey County.

While Seide was gathering information, Londregan, and a third trooper — Garrett Erickson — pulled up to assist.

As seen on video, all three troopers approached Cobb's car together. They asked him to get out of his car, but Cobb II refused, so they tried to physically remove him, investigators said. Londregan shot Cobb II during the struggle, according to authorities.

Both Londregan and Seide were then knocked down as Cobb pulled away.

After getting back into their vehicles, the three troopers followed Cobb about a quarter-mile down the interstate, authorities said.

The troopers caught up Cobb's vehicle while it was slowing to a stop along the interstate's interior divider.

The troopers attempted life-saving measures, but Cobb died at the scene, authorities said. Londregan and Seide were hospitalized and later released.

The video below contains graphic scenes and may be disturbing: