A former Minnesota State Patrol trooper, Shane Roper, is embroiled in significant legal challenges following a fatal crash near Rochester's Apache Mall. The incidents have spawned multiple lawsuits and ongoing criminal proceedings, painting a complex picture of accountability.
Criminal Charges Persist
Roper, 33, faces a slate of nine criminal charges in Olmsted County District Court. These include second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, five counts of criminal vehicular operation, reckless driving, and careless driving. Prosecutors are actively opposing Roper's defense team's attempts to have these charges dismissed. A judge recently denied a motion by Roper's attorneys to dismiss the criminal case, ruling that evidence of his high-speed driving—reportedly up to 83 mph without emergency lights or sirens—warrants a trial. Roper's next court appearance for these criminal charges is slated for June 24.
Civil Suits Expand
The legal ramifications extend beyond the criminal arena. The family of Olivia Flores, the 18-year-old Owatonna resident who died as a result of the crash, has filed a federal civil lawsuit. This suit alleges that Roper violated Flores' constitutional rights and wrongfully caused her death. This federal action is currently on hold, pending the resolution of Roper's criminal case.
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Furthermore, the former insurance company of another driver involved in the three-vehicle collision has also initiated a civil suit against Roper and the State of Minnesota. This lawsuit claims negligence and vicarious liability. There are no current hearings scheduled for the county civil case.
Defense Arguments and Prosecution's Stance
Roper's defense attorneys have argued that the state has not sufficiently established that Roper was driving recklessly in the moments leading up to the crash, and that he was acting within the scope of his duties. They filed a substantial document seeking to dismiss eight of the nine charges.
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Conversely, state prosecutors are expanding their arguments to keep the charges intact, emphasizing evidence suggesting Roper was traveling at high speeds without activating his emergency lights or siren. An investigation indicates Roper was driving around 70 mph roughly 1.4 seconds before the collision, and later exited onto a street, turning off his lights and siren while still at 83 mph as he neared the mall entrance. This crash adds to a documented history of on-duty collisions involving Roper.
Background
The fatal crash occurred on May 18, 2024, near the Apache Mall in Rochester. It resulted in the death of Olivia Flores, who was days away from her high school graduation. The collision involved three vehicles and left five other individuals seriously injured. Roper was dismissed from the Minnesota State Patrol on September 17, 2024. Court filings revealed at least eight previous disciplinary actions against Roper during his eight years with the patrol.
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