Bodycam: Minnesota State Patrol Releases Video of Ricky Cobb II's Fatal Shooting
On August 1, 2023, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) released video footage of the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II by a state trooper. The incident occurred during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 near Lowry Avenue around 1:50 a.m. Cobb was pulled over because his tail lights were off, and he was wanted by Ramsey County law enforcement for violating a no-contact order in a domestic case.
The DPS presented the shooting from four different angles at a press conference, including three body camera videos from the troopers at the scene and one squad car video. Cobb's face was blurred in the footage, and the names of the troopers involved have not been released. They have been placed on administrative leave.
The video shows three troopers approaching Cobb's car, with one on the driver's side, one on the passenger side, and one standing behind the car. The trooper on the driver's side asked Cobb to step out of the car, stating they had "some stuff to talk about." Cobb, with his hands raised, refused and inquired if it was related to a warrant. When told it was not, he asked to call his attorney and was then asked to hand over the car keys.
The situation escalated as the troopers repeatedly told Cobb to exit the car. Both the driver's and passenger's side doors were opened, and the trooper on the driver's side attempted to pull Cobb out. Cobb appeared to reach for the shift gear, prompting the trooper on the passenger side to pull a gun. Two gunshots were fired as Cobb drove away, causing two troopers to fall to the ground.
A brief foot pursuit was followed by a car chase on Interstate 94, ending with the troopers surrounding Cobb's car and pulling him out to provide first aid. Unfortunately, Cobb died at the scene, and there was no indication that he was armed.
Col. Matt Langer of the Minnesota State Patrol expressed sadness over the situation and defended the troopers' actions, stating they had a lawful reason to ask Cobb to exit the vehicle. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty extended condolences to Cobb's family and promised a swift investigation.
The incident has raised many questions, with legal experts emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the events. Community leaders, relatives, and demonstrators have voiced their concerns, calling for justice and transparency.
Cobb's mother, Nyra Fields-Miller, who was shown the video before its public release, expressed confusion and pain. Protests were held near the location of Cobb's death, and messages of support and calls for a full investigation were issued by Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation into this event.