Minnesota State Trooper Fatally Shot Motorist on I-94

In a tragic incident on Monday morning, a Minnesota state trooper shot and killed a motorist on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis, per MPR News.

The incident began when the trooper, while on patrol at approximately 2 a.m., noticed a car without visible taillights and pulled it over on northbound I-94.

During the traffic stop, it was discovered that the driver was wanted in Ramsey County on a suspected felony-level offense.

The trooper attempted to take the driver into custody, but the driver resisted and refused to exit the vehicle. Instead, the driver fled from the scene.

As the pursuit unfolded, at least one trooper opened fire during the encounter. A Minnesota Department of Transportation camera footage captured the police cruisers chasing the fleeing car, eventually surrounding it against the median near the 42nd Avenue bridge over the interstate.

Tragically, the driver lost his life during the incident.

Motorist Fatally Shot by Minnesota State Trooper Identified by Family

The motorist who was fatally shot by a Minnesota state trooper on Interstate 94 has been identified by family members as 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II of Spring Lake Park, according to StarTribune.

Cobb's tragic death has added to the ongoing discussions and concerns surrounding law enforcement's use of force, particularly involving Black individuals.

He is the latest in a series of Black motorists killed by law enforcement in the Twin Cities, a trend that has sparked intense protests and calls for accountability.

On Monday night, over 100 people, including Cobb's family and friends, gathered to remember him with a group prayer.

Danielle Pickett, the mother of Cobb's two older children, expressed her belief that Cobb's race played a role in the fatal encounter with the police.

She recounted witnessing instances of racial profiling directed towards him over the years.

Pickett also emphasized the devastating impact of such incidents on families, leaving children fatherless. She highlighted Cobb's deep love for his children and how much they meant to him in his life.

Cobb was wanted for questioning in connection with an alleged violation of a standing domestic order for protection, according to information from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office issued a 72-hour request for agencies to detain and hold Cobb Friday concerning the felony-level violation.

The order, which provided law enforcement with probable cause to detain individuals, was set to expire later on Monday morning.

Minnesota State Troopers Involve in Fatal Shooting on Administrative Leave

In response to the fatal shooting incident on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis, three State Patrol troopers have been placed on administrative leave, following standard departmental policy, KARE 11 noted.

The Minnesota State Patrol stated that body and squad car cameras were activated during the incident.

Col. Matt Langer, the State Patrol's chief, has ordered the release of the video footage as soon as possible after the driver's family has had the opportunity to view it.

Additionally, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been requested to investigate the use-of-force incident.

The BCA is an independent agency responsible for investigating certain incidents involving law enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, the westbound lanes of I-94 were closed following the incident but were later reopened to traffic.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Driver fatally shoot by state trooper on I-94 in Minneapolis - From WCCO - CBS Minnesota