Some In State Patrol Won't Cooperate In Cobb Investigation: Moriarty

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said she is "disappointed" by the "lack of cooperation" from some Minnesota State Patrol employees during the deadly trooper shooting of Ricky Cobb II.

Cobb was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 in north Minneapolis early on July 31.

Last week, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension submitted its investigative file to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review.

The attorney's office will make a decision on whether or not to charge the trooper — identified as Ryan Londregan — who shot Cobb.

"We thank the BCA for their hard work and we will begin our own thorough review of the case immediately," Moriarty said in a Sept. 19 news release.

“We have learned from the BCA that there are state patrol employees who have thus far refused to cooperate with the BCA’s investigation. These are individuals who are not the subject of the investigation but may have relevant information. We are disappointed by this lack of cooperation as the family, the community, and the troopers involved in this incident all deserve answers."

Moriarty said she identified a use-of-force expert whose independent review will be a "critical part of our process."

"I hear the community calls for an immediate charging decision, but I also know that rushing can lead to mistakes," Moriarty added. "Thank you for your patience as we work diligently to get this right."

According to the preliminary investigation, on Monday at 1:50 a.m., Trooper Brett Seide saw a car drive past him on I-94 without rear lights on.

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 Trooper Garrett Erickson pulled up to assist.

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

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

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

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

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

BCA crime scene personnel recovered Cobb II's car and two State Patrol squad cars from the scene.

Agents found two cartridge casings, a cell phone, and a handgun.

The video below contains graphic scenes and may be disturbing: