Ricky Cobb II shooting: Family sues Minnesota State Troopers Londregan, Seide

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The family of Ricky Cobb II announced a lawsuit against Minnesota State Troopers Ryan Londregan, who fatally shot Cobb during a traffic stop in Minneapolis in July 2023, and Brett Seide.

Cobb's family was joined by their attorneys for a news conference on Wednesday at the Hennepin County Government Center to announce the filing of their lawsuit against the troopers to get some justice for Cobb, they said. 

"My brother should be here," Cobb's sister said, noting her brother should be here today. 

The lawsuit brings a civil rights action against Londregan and Seide for "excessive force and unlawful seizure resulting" in Cobb's death during the July 31, 2023, traffic stop. The lawsuit is seeking compensatory, actual and consequential damages; loss of past and future support and services with interest; loss of earnings and/or earning capacity; punitive damages; attorneys fees; and other relief the court deems appropriate.

"These two troopers created this situation, escalated it and then Londregan ended it by stealing Ricky Cobb II from his family forever," said civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers. "That’s not just a tragedy. That’s a crime and it’s time to hold them accountable."

Cobb's family attorney F. Clayton Tyler said the state was not named in the lawsuit because it would be immune under federal law. However, they haven't ruled out filing a separate lawsuit in state court naming the Minnesota State Patrol.

Here's the full lawsuit:

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Londregan faces murder, manslaughter charges

Londregan is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, second-degree manslaughter, and first-degree assault in connection to the July 31, 2023, traffic stop. These charges came nearly six months after the fatal shooting and followed calls from Cobb’s family for the firing and charging of Londregan.

Trooper Londregan makes his first court appearance after being charged in the shooting of Ricky Cobb II. (FOX 9)

Minnesota State Patrol troopers pulled over Cobb during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 near 42nd Avenue around 1:50 a.m. on July 31, 2023. Authorities previously said Cobb had a felony warrant out of Ramsey County and attempted to detain him when he fled. A trooper then shot Cobb, and he died from his injuries.

Dash camera and body camera videos that were released show the three troopers approaching Cobb's vehicle and asking him to get out of the car, and then they attempt to physically remove him after he refused to exit. Londregan then fired his gun, killing Cobb.

Following the shooting, the BCA has said there was a gun in the back of Cobb's vehicle — but never visibly in his possession — when he was fatally shot.

Londregan had about 1.5 years of law enforcement experience at the time of the shooting.

According to his family, Cobb was the father of two sons, ages 8 and 10.

All three troopers involved in the traffic stop were placed on administrative leave following the incident.