State Patrol report says there was ‘no justification’ for Roper’s ‘decision to speed through intersection’ – Post Bulletin

ROCHESTER – The Minnesota State Patrol has closed an investigation and fired Shane Roper, the former state trooper involved in the fatal car crash that killed 18-year-old Olivia Flores.

MSP documents show an internal investigation into Roper’s actions on May 18, the day of the three-vehicle crash that killed Flores and injured five others. According to the documents, Roper violated five MSP general orders or operational policies and procedures, including the oath of office of a Minnesota State Trooper, conduct of sworn members, the patrol unit, its operation and maintenance, patrols and parking, and the use of emergency vehicles.

According to the indictment against Roper, Jeremy Geiger, the MSP’s deputy chief, said Roper’s actions were “reckless” and a “clear violation” of MSP policies.

“Trp. Roper’s conduct has seriously undermined his integrity and credibility with the public. His conduct demonstrates a disregard for the State Patrol’s mission of traffic safety and reflects poorly on the agency,” the indictment states. “There is simply no justification for Trp. Roper’s decision to drive through that intersection at a high rate of speed.”

In the letter of termination from Colonel Christina Bogojevic, Roper was informed that his last day of work would be September 3. His termination was reported to the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board.

Roper had already violated 10 general orders in four incidents since 2019 before his fatal accident on May 18, 2024. His disciplinary records show that four previous accidents were caused by inattentive driving or excessive speed. In two of the incidents, Roper was suspended for one day, the records show.

Roper now faces nine counts in Olmsted County District Court, including second-degree manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. On August 29, he pleaded not guilty to all nine counts. His next court date is scheduled for November.

According to the indictment, Roper quickly approached the intersection of Apache Drive Southwest, an area that contains the main entrances to Apache Mall, an area that experiences “very heavy traffic…” on a typical Saturday.

When Roper’s car was 400 feet from the intersection, the police camera showed a green light for eastbound traffic. A larger SUV, also traveling east, moved into the left-turn lane to enter Memorial Parkway Southwest, blocking the view for vehicles turning onto Apache Drive Southwest, the complaint states.

A Ford Focus with three passengers was in this turning lane and attempted to drive through the intersection.

“Due to Roper’s excessive speed (he was traveling 83 miles per hour and was at full throttle until 1.4 seconds before impact), Roper was unable to adequately brake or maneuver his patrol car to avoid the collision as the Ford Focus proceeded through the intersection,” the complaint states.

Roper’s patrol car struck the passenger side of the Ford Focus at a speed of at least 55 miles per hour. The impact sent both cars flying east through the intersection and colliding with a Toyota Rav4. Two people were inside the Toyota.

Witnesses reported to police that the oncoming vehicle was “flying.” Witnesses did not see or hear any warning lights or sirens.

According to the complaint, the driver of the Ford Focus suffered a liver injury, a bruised kidney and numerous other minor injuries. The passenger suffered a broken pelvis, a bruised kidney and other minor injuries. The passengers of the Toyota Rav4 suffered physical pain from the impact. In the patrol car, Roper had a passenger who suffered bruised ribs and several broken bones from the impact.

Weeks after the incident, Roper confirmed to authorities that he was trying to “close the gap” between his patrol car and a vehicle that was allegedly violating traffic laws, the Post Bulletin previously reported. Roper said it was not an active pursuit and he was not paying attention to his speed, the criminal complaint states. He told police he believed his lights were on.

The complaint also states that on May 18, Roper responded to a 911 call while traveling at 135 mph in a 55 mph zone.

“On the way to this location, he advised his passenger that medical attention was probably not required and that such driving was normal behavior for him,” the complaint states.