MINNEAPOLIS — A federal civil case against Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan, who fatally shot Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop in 2023, has been dismissed.
Cobb was pulled over on I-94 in Minneapolis for driving at night without headlights on. Londregan and other troopers approached Cobb's car after learning he was wanted for violating a domestic no-contact order in Ramsey County.
Troopers ordered Cobb out of the car but he started to drive away, and Londregan shot the man twice. Londregan claimed he feared for the life of his partner, and said Cobb was reaching for his state-issued pistol.
In April 2024, Cobb's family and attorneys said the traffic stop that led to Cobb's death was unjustified and unlawful. They argued Cobb's civil rights were violated by Londregan and another State Tropper, Brett Seide, when they "unreasonably seized" and "used excessive force" against him.
On Wednesday in federal court, a civil suit against Londregan was dismissed, with the court saying "Under this law the Court cannot conclude that Londregan violated a clearly established right when he made the decision to shoot Cobb."
Londregan was cleared of second-degree murder charges in June 2024. The State Patrol confirmed in August he was being assigned to the West Metro District in Golden Valley after completing additional required training.
Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association General Counsel Imran Ali said in a statement they are pleased with the outcome.
“Judge Brasel correctly opined that Trooper Londregan was placed in a dynamic situation that required a split-second decision. The dismissal of this unlawful prosecution and this civil dismissal again tells us: this case should have never been charged. We are pleased that the law succeeded the political ambitions of those who are bent on demonizing those who protect and serve our commodities each day.”