says: “No justification” for fired cop's reckless driving that killed Rochester teenager

A Minnesota State Patrol investigation found there was “no justification” for former trooper Shane Roper’s driving at the time of the crash that killed Owatonna teenager Olivia Flores.

Shane Roper, 32, was fired from the police force earlier this month for violating five police orders, including his oath of office. He has been on paid investigative leave since the May 18 crash. He faces nine criminal charges for his role in the crash, including negligent homicide and manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance on August 29.

“Trp. Roper's conduct has seriously undermined his integrity and credibility with the public,” Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger wrote in an indictment against Roper. “His conduct demonstrates a disregard for the State Patrol's mission in the area of ​​traffic safety and reflects poorly on the agency.”

The police investigation found that Roper “did not exercise good judgment and did not drive with due regard for the safety of others” when he crashed his patrol car into a vehicle carrying 18-year-old Flores, who died the next day from blunt force trauma. Five other people were seriously injured in the three-car crash.

“Given all the circumstances and Trp. Roper's local knowledge, it was reckless to drive at such a high speed when the light was green,” Geiger said.

Police said Roper was trying to pull over a speeding driver as he exited Highway 52 onto a 40 mph road near Apache Mall. His hazard lights were not on, police confirmed, as he approached the intersection at about 80 mph. Witnesses described the officer's patrol car as coming “like a rocket.”

“While Trp. Roper may be aware of the impact of his conduct today, it does not mitigate the poor judgment he demonstrated on May 18, 2024, which will continue to impact him, the State Patrol, and most importantly, the family, friends and community of those affected by the crash,” Geiger said.

The fatal crash was the latest in a series of on-duty accidents involving Roper. State Patrol records show Roper has been reprimanded for reckless driving four times since 2019. The disciplinary action consisted of two written warnings and two days of unpaid suspension.