Trooper’s Reckless Pursuit Leads to Fatal Crash of High School Senior Near Apache Mall
Charges Filed Against State Trooper for High-Speed Collision Resulting in Teen’s Death
According to True Crime News, in Rochester, Minnesota a state trooper faces serious charges after allegedly causing a high-speed crash that resulted in the death of a high school senior. The incident occurred on May 18 near Apache Mall where Trooper Shane Roper reportedly pursued a minor traffic violator at excessive speeds. According to the Olmstead County Attorney’s Office Roper activated his emergency lights and accelerated to 98 mph. However he soon turned off the lights and continued to speed reaching 83 mph in less than a quarter mile. This reckless driving led to a collision with a Ford Focus, which was turning left near the mall. The impact at a speed of 55 mph was devastating resulting in the death of 18-year-old Olivia Flores who was days away from her high school graduation. The crash also involved a Toyota Rav4 whose occupants experienced significant pain from the collision.
According to the criminal complaint the Ford Focus‘s driver described Roper’s approaching vehicle as a rocket indicating the extreme speed at which he was traveling. The crash inflicted severe injuries on the other occupants of the Ford Focus. The driver suffered a liver laceration bruised kidney and other minor injuries while the front passenger sustained a broken pelvis lacerated kidney and other non-life-threatening injuries. The passengers in the Toyota Rav4 also experienced physical pain from the collision. The complaint further revealed that Roper had a ride along passenger in his squad car during the incident. Roper later claimed he was trying to close the gap on a petty traffic violator and believed his emergency lights were still on despite witness statements to the contrary. Investigators noted that Roper had driven at excessive speeds multiple times that day reaching up to 135 mph without his emergency lights.
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98 MPH Speed Limit Ignored: Minnesota State Trooper Faces Multiple Charges After Fatal Crash Kills 18-Year-Old High School Senior! (PHOTO: Law & Crime)
Trooper Charged with Manslaughter for High-Speed Crash Killing High School Senior
Prosecutors have charged Roper with multiple counts including second-degree manslaughter criminal vehicular homicide and several counts of criminal vehicular operation citing his gross negligence and reckless driving. Roper an eight-year veteran of the Minnesota State Patrol who had attended 13 driving training courses is accused of violating his duty in a manner that resulted in a tragic loss. Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem emphasized the gravity of Roper’s actions which led to the untimely death of a young woman on the brink of celebrating her high school graduation. State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic confirmed that Roper remains on paid investigative leave as the legal process unfolds. The incident has left the Flores family and the community mourning the loss of Olivia remembered as a cheerleader with a true leader personality as they seek justice for the fatal crash.
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