A Minnesota State Trooper faces manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide charges in the death of Olivia Flores, an 18-year-old Owatonna High School cheerleader who was killed in a high-speed crash just weeks before her graduation.
Trooper Shane Roper, 32, was allegedly pursuing another vehicle at speeds exceeding 80 mph in a 40 mph zone without activating his lights or sirens when he collided with Flores’ vehicle at a busy intersection on May 18th. The impact killed Flores and injured five others.
According to the criminal complaint, Roper accelerated to full throttle moments before the crash and turned off his emergency signals. Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem stated that Roper’s actions were reckless and negligent, directly leading to the tragic loss of life.
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Olivia Flores, a beloved member of her community and a dedicated cheerleader, was just two weeks away from graduation when her life was tragically cut short. Her family and friends are devastated by the loss and are calling for justice to be served.
This incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability within the Minnesota State Patrol. Roper has a history of disciplinary actions related to excessive speed and inattentive driving, raising questions about the department’s oversight and training practices.
The Minnesota State Patrol has expressed condolences to the Flores family and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. However, this incident has further eroded public trust in the agency, particularly after a recent audit revealed a pattern of lax discipline for reckless driving by troopers.
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The case against Roper is ongoing, and he is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. The outcome of this trial will likely have significant implications for the Minnesota State Patrol and its efforts to rebuild trust with the community.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life full of promise, the case highlights the urgent need for improved oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
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