Minnesota State Trooper In Deep Storm Over Brutal Act
A Minnesota State Trooper known for his penchant for speeding has been criminally charged in a devastating crash that claimed the life of an 18-year-old high school cheerleader Olivia Flores.
Just weeks away from graduation, Flores was struck by 32-year-old Trooper Shane Roper. He was driving at a reckless speed of 83 mph in a 40 mph zone without lights or sirens.
The fatal collision occurred on May 18, injuring five others, according to Olmstead County Attorney Mark Ostrem. Ostrem revealed that in the moments leading up to the crash, Roper accelerated to full throttle. Not only that, he switched off his emergency lights and sirens.
Roper now faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, reckless driving and multiple counts of criminal vehicular operation.
Eyewitnesses and survivors described Roper’s vehicle approaching “like a rocket” near a Rochester mall intersection. The impact forced Flores’ Ford Focus into a Toyota RAV4, resulting in severe injuries for all involved. Sadly, Flores was the only one who did not survive. Jenna Compton, Flores’ cheer coach, mourned the loss of the “shining light” in her recent interview.
Prosecutors highlighted Roper’s troubling history, noting his involvement in four previous crashes due to inattentive driving or speeding. On the day of the crash, Roper was reportedly clocked at speeds over 99 mph, including a staggering 135 mph in a 55 mph zone, all without lights or sirens.
At the time of the fatal incident, Roper had a passenger in his vehicle who was also injured. Investigators believe Roper was attempting to catch up to a driver for a minor offense when he exceeded the speed limit by over 40 mph.
Flores’ family has called for an independent investigation, represented by attorney Thomas Braun. Minnesota State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic extended the department’s condolences and expressed concern over Roper’s actions, which she said did not “align with the State Patrol’s core values.”
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As the judicial process unfolds, it is sad that Roper is not currently in custody. However, he was charged by summons.
Also, Ostrem condemned Roper’s actions as a gross violation of his duty to protect lives, emphasizing that his reckless behavior led to the death of a promising young woman and injuries to several others.