Cobb Family Files Federal Lawsuit Against Two State Patrol Troopers

(KNSI) – The family of Ricky Cobb II has filed federal lawsuits against a pair of Minnesota State Patrol troopers.

Ryan Londregan is the only one facing criminal charges in Hennepin County, including second-degree murder, but the family says his partner Brett Seide also played a role in the July 2023 shooting where Cobb was killed. The family’s attorneys say Seide informed the other two troopers at the scene that Cobb was wanted for a violation of a restraining order. They allege there was no warrant outstanding.

What started as a traffic stop because the rear lights were out on Cobb’s Ford Fusion turned into an attempt to get Cobb to exit the vehicle so he could be arrested. Cobb resisted and put the vehicle into drive.

Prosecutors and the family allege that Cobb’s foot slipped off the brake when he was grabbed by one of the officers, causing the car to lurch forward. Londregan says he shot Cobb in self-defense as he and another trooper were hanging from the car in a dangerous position.

The attorneys held a press conference Wednesday at the Hennepin County Government Center. Bakari Sellers alleged, “These two troopers created this situation, escalated it and then Londregan ended it by stealing Ricky Cobb II from his family forever.”

He added, “That’s not just a tragedy. That’s a crime and it’s time to hold them accountable.”

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