MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota state trooper Ryan Londregan could be back on the road soon following the decision to drop murder charges against him in the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop in summer 2023.
Londregan was charged with second-degree murder after shooting and killing Cobb the morning of July 31, 2023. Troopers had pulled Cobb over on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis saying the lights were out on his car, before learning Cobb 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. He claimed he feared for the life of his partner and said Cobb was reaching for his state-issued pistol.
Londregan was cleared of second-degree murder charges in June 2024 and he is now eligible to be reinstated as a state trooper. The State Patrol confirms he is assigned to the West Metro District in Golden Valley but is required to complete additional training.
Moriarty's handling of the case was criticized by police organizations and Gov. Tim Walz. They raised concerns after the prosecution's use-of-force expert opined that Trooper Londregan acted reasonably and according to his training.