ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Hennepin County judge has ruled that an independent use of force expert can be subpoenaed in the case involving a Minnesota State Patrol trooper who shot and killed a driver during a traffic stop. Judge Tamara Garcia agreed with Trooper Ryan Londregan’s attorneys that Jeffrey Noble’s reports, notes, and other documents are relevant to the defense and should be allowed in court. Noble, called by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty to review the case, found that Trooper Londregan acted within his training and was in real danger when 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II allegedly tried to flee, dragging Londregan and another trooper along Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. Despite efforts to save him, Cobb died from the gunshot wounds.
While Noble initially wanted to further review the case, Moriarty charged Londregan before he could do so, leading to his dismissal from the case shortly after. Noble, a seasoned expert in use of force cases, has not contested the subpoena and is expected to testify at trial. Judge Garcia denied a motion to depose Noble before the April 29th court date, stating that depositions are only necessary when testimony at trial may not be feasible. Noble has testified in high-profile use of force cases, including those involving Derek Chauvin, Jeronimo Yanez, and a St. Paul police officer accused of shooting a knife-wielding man in February 2023, where the officer was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.