Man Killed by Trooper In Freeway Shooting From St. Cloud

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says the man shot and killed by state troopers in Minneapolis on Monday is from St. Cloud.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office says 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II died from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the preliminary investigation, around 1:50 a.m. on July 31st, a trooper saw a car drive past him on Interstate 94 without rear lights. After the car pulled over, the trooper found out the driver, Cobb II, was wanted on probable cause for a felony order-for-protection violation in Ramsey County. At that time, two more officers pulled up to assist.

Dashboard and body-worn camera footage released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show the three troopers approaching Cobb II’s car and repeatedly requesting him to step out. Two troopers then opened the door and attempted to physically remove him. At that time, the video shows Cobb II putting the car in gear and driving away while the officers were partially inside. One of them fired his handgun, hitting Cobb II. He drove away, knocking the two troopers to the ground.

The three officers returned to their vehicles and followed Cobb II about a quarter-mile down the interstate. When they caught up to him, Cobb II’s vehicle was slowing to a stop against the highway divider. The troopers are seen on video immediately providing first aid, but he died at the scene.

The two troopers who were dragged were treated at the hospital and released.

Investigators say they found two cartridge casings, a cell phone and a handgun on the floor behind the center console in the back of Cobb II’s vehicle. At no point in the video is he seen holding the gun.

BCA agents are reviewing all available videos, including the squad cam and body-worn camera video from everyone at the scene and the Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic camera videos.

When the investigation is finished, all information will be turned over to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has video of the incident is asked to contact the BCA at 1-877-996-6222.

___