Dramatic image of a police car with flashing lights behind a civilian vehicle on a desolate highway, representing the charged situation following a shooting during a traffic stop in Minnesota. — Tense moments captured as charges mount in the aftermath of a traffic stop incident

A family’s quest for justice begins as Minnesota Trooper charged in Ricky Cobb’s fatal shooting.

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Minneapolis, MN — Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan faces second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter charges for the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II. The incident occurred during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 in July (MPR News).

Trooper Brett Seide initially stopped Cobb for a tail light violation. The situation escalated when Cobb was found to have an outstanding felony warrant. As Cobb tried to drive away, Londregan fired several shots into his car (KARE 11).

Body camera footage shows Londregan firing as Cobb’s car started moving. Cobb was hit multiple times and crashed a quarter-mile away, where he was pronounced dead (MPR News).

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized that Londregan’s actions exceeded legal limits on deadly force. 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” (Spokesman-Recorder).

Cobb’s family has expressed their commitment to seeking justice. Cobb’s mother, Nyra Fields-Miller, said in a statement,

“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” (KARE 11).

Meanwhile, Londregan remains on paid leave pending an internal investigation. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association expressed their support for Londregan, stating the troopers acted within their legal duties (Spokesman-Recorder).

This case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over police use of force and accountability in America.

About the author:

Darius Spearman is a Professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been pursuing his love of teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org