ROCHESTER, MN – A Minnesota state trooper is facing serious charges after a high-speed crash resulted in the death of a high school cheerleader just days before her graduation. Trooper Shane Roper, 32, is accused of driving at speeds up to 135 mph without activating his lights and sirens. The collision occurred on May 18 when Roper’s vehicle struck the passenger side of a Ford Focus, killing 18-year-old Olivia Flores and injuring five others.
Flores, who was in the passenger seat of the Focus, was pronounced dead at the scene. The tragic incident has led to Roper being charged with manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, and multiple counts of criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm due to gross negligence.
The Flores family expressed their profound grief in a statement, noting the immense difficulty of losing their only daughter in what they consider a preventable accident. “Learning they lost their only daughter in a car crash that was no accident is a new level of pain,” said Michael Otte, a family spokesperson.
Amber Will, a local photographer who took Flores’ senior portraits, described her as a vibrant and sweet girl. “Even in that short amount of time, it was obvious she was a vibrant and sweet girl, who was also lots of fun,” Will said. The community has been deeply affected by Flores’ death, with an outpouring of love and grief from those who knew her.
According to the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, Roper was driving at 83 mph in a 40 mph zone at the time of the crash. The investigation revealed that Roper did not slow down until just before the collision, maintaining full throttle without using his lights or sirens.
Roper has a documented history of dangerous driving while on duty, including four previous crashes attributed to excessive speed and inattentive driving. The law firm representing the Flores family, Restovich Braun and Associates, highlighted this troubling pattern in a statement.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem condemned Roper’s actions, stating that his reckless behavior violated the State Patrol’s Core Values. “Trooper Roper, violating his duty in such a gross fashion, caused the death of a young lady celebrating her impending graduation from high school,” Ostrem said.
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic expressed condolences to the Flores family and those affected by the crash. Roper is currently on paid leave as the case proceeds. His attorney has not yet commented on the charges.