Troopers were attempting to arrest Cobb on a “probable cause hold/pickup” on behalf of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, which is similar to a warrant.
Applebaum is an attorney on the criminal and civil sides who has both represented police and sued the police. He says the way the troopers conducted themselves prior to the use of force appears to be legal, including opening Cobb’s car door and attempting to unbuckle his seatbelt.
“For an arrest, absolutely. That probable cause for the arrest is what gives them the authority to open the door, to take this person into custody using reasonable force to do so,” Applebaum said.
But Applebaum says the use of force itself will be highly debated.
What led up to State Patrol shooting of Ricky Cobb?
Lou Raguse, Kare11
