Minnesota police officer Shane Roper charged in crash that killed Owatonna resident Olivia Flores

ROCHESTER – Charges were filed Tuesday against the police officer involved in a three-vehicle crash in May that left an 18-year-old high school student dead.

Officer Shane Roper has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of the victim, Olivia Flores of Owatonna. Roper has been charged with several other involuntary manslaughter charges related to five other people injured in the crash.

An investigation by the Olmsted County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Roper was traveling at 83 miles per hour with no lights or siren on as he approached a busy intersection near Apache Mall. The officer’s car struck the passenger side of a car in which Flores was sitting, resulting in her death.

“Trooper Roper violated his duty in such a gross manner, causing the death of a young woman who was celebrating her upcoming high school graduation,” Olmsted County District Attorney Mark Ostrem said in a statement announcing the charges. “Several other individuals sustained serious injuries. Roper’s conduct violated the State Patrol’s core values. As with any other individual who drives recklessly and without regard for basic traffic laws, Mr. Roper’s conduct cannot be tolerated.”

The county’s investigation revealed that Roper had previously driven at high speeds without warning lights at least four times on May 18, at one point reaching 217 km/h.

“Roper’s disciplinary record shows that he has been involved in four accidents with his patrol car, which were either due to careless driving or excessive speed,” the indictment states.

The State Patrol said Roper, who has completed 13 driver training courses totaling 107 hours over the course of his eight-year career, has been placed on paid administrative leave.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Olivia Flores, as well as other community members affected by the tragic fatal accident that occurred on May 18 in Rochester,” State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said in a statement. “The conduct alleged in the criminal complaint is troubling and does not align with the core values ​​of the State Patrol.”

Flores was a cheerleader at Owatonna High School and was scheduled to graduate on June 7. A GoFundMe page to support her family states: “She was fierce and loyal. She was beautiful to the core.”