The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal use of force incident that shut down portions of I-94 through Monday morning.
According to the BCA, a State Patrol trooper observed a Ford Fusion with no taillights traveling northbound on I-94 near Lowry Avenue in Minneapolis around 1:50 a.m.
The driver was pulled over and the trooper discovered that he was wanted by law enforcement in Ramsey County on a “felony level violation,” according to the BCA. The troopers attempted to detain the driver, but he refused to exit the vehicle and eventually drove away, the BCA said.
State Patrol out with a vehicle on shots fired.
Help call.
I-94 and Dowling Ave N
02:19 pic.twitter.com/0rjk1WkX1F— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) July 31, 2023
A trooper “discharged their firearm during the course of this incident,” resulting in a fatality. Traffic camera video shows the Ford Fusion boxed in by three State Patrol cars. Life-saving measures were provided until emergency services arrived, according to the BCA.
Three troopers have been placed on standard administrative leave and the State Patrol is “working expeditiously to release the [body camera] video after providing the family an opportunity to view it,” the BCA said.
The BCA press release did not identify the decedent or the troopers involved, but relatives told KARE 11 that the man killed in the shooting was Ricky Cobb II. Several social media posts have also identified Cobb as the decedent.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
