Minnesota trooper fired after crash kills Owatonna cheerleader

On May 18, a tragic crash occurred at the intersection of 12th Street Southwest and Apache Drive Southwest in Rochester, resulting in the death of 18-year-old Olivia Flores and injuries to five others. The incident involved Minnesota State Trooper Shane Roper, who was driving his squad car at excessive speeds without activating his lights. Roper claimed he was attempting to catch up to a vehicle suspected of a traffic violation, but the state patrol later stated there was no justification for his actions. Roper's driving history revealed a pattern of reckless behavior, including four prior crashes attributed to inattentive driving or excessive speed. Just hours before the fatal incident, he was recorded driving over 99 mph multiple times while trying to initiate traffic stops, including reaching speeds of 135 mph in a 55 mph zone. This reckless driving occurred without the use of lights or sirens, raising serious concerns about his judgment and adherence to protocol. The Minnesota State Patrol conducted an investigation into the crash, which concluded that Roper's conduct severely undermined his integrity and trustworthiness with the public. As a result, he was terminated from his position as a state trooper. The incident has sparked discussions about the accountability of law enforcement officers and the importance of maintaining public safety. In the aftermath, the community mourned the loss of Olivia Flores, a high school senior, while the state patrol faced scrutiny over its training and oversight of officers. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving, especially by those entrusted with public safety.