Olivia Flores, an 18-year-old cheerleader, tragically lost her life when a patrol car collided with her vehicle at high velocity.
Minnesota State Trooper Shane Roper has been charged after his patrol car collided 'full throttle' with a Ford Focus, resulting in the tragic death of high school cheerleader Olivia Flores and injuries to five other individuals, Fox News reported.
Trooper Shane Roper, 32, exceeded the speed limit by 99 mph, driving at 135 mph without activating his patrol car's emergency lights or sirens. His Ford Taurus rammed into the passenger side of the Ford Focus where Flores was seated.
The grievous incident, occurring shortly before Olivia's high school graduation, shocked the local community of Rochester, Minnesota. On May 18, as Flores celebrated impending graduation festivities with friends, the catastrophic event took place.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem detailed that Trooper Roper, by grossly violating his duties, caused the death of Flores at a critical celebratory moment in her life. Shane Roper now faces charges that include manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide alongside five counts of criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm.
Investigations reveal this was not an isolated incident of reckless driving for Roper. Records show four instances where Roper had previously engaged in dangerous driving behavior, leading to collisions while on duty. The State Patrol had disciplined Roper for his past driving offenses, but his recurrent high-speed driving culminated in this fatal crash. Moreover, allegations arose that Trooper Roper had violated traffic laws multiple times on the day of the accident.
A statement from Michael Otte, the organizer of a GoFundomme campaign for Flores' family, emphasized the depth of their sorrow: "Learning they lost their only daughter in a car crash that was no accident is a new level of pain... To say they had to relive it all over again is a gross understatement."
Following the crash, numerous parties responded vocally. The Rochester Police Department issued statements, while State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic conveyed condolences, noting Roper's suspension amidst ongoing investigations into these concerning allegations.
Additionally, the law firm of Restovich Braun and Associates, representing Flores' family, highlighted Roper's "documented history of shocking, dangerous, and unlawful driving conduct while on duty." Their statement underscored the repeated nature of Roper's reckless driving behavior.
Furthermore, local photographer Amber Will expressed community sentiments: "Even in that short time, it was obvious she was a vibrant and sweet girl... Seeing our community's outpouring of love and grief in response to this tragedy is a testament to the many people who knew and loved her."
The family's GoFundMe post wishes to see Olivia's ethic of kindness live on, a sentiment echoed across the community mourning her loss. "Let Olivia's legacy of TPWK (treat people with kindness) shine through," the post read.
Meanwhile, as legal proceedings continue, the community, along with Olivia's family and friends, await justice. They hope that this tragic event brings about meaningful discussions and changes in police protocols and accountability. This case has brought sorrow and ignited a pressing dialogue on law enforcement conduct and safety protocols.
In conclusion, the charges facing Trooper Shane Roper bring to light not only the tragic events of May 18 but also broader issues concerning law enforcement practices and their consequences. As the community reels from this loss, they call for accountability and changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
