State trooper charged in Rochester fatal crash was suspended twice for violating MSP’s policies (2024)

ROCHESTER — The Minnesota State Patrol trooper charged in the fatal three-vehicle crash that killed 18-year-old Olivia Flores and injured five others had previously been suspended twice for violating the agency’s policies and procedures since 2019, according to disciplinary records obtained by the Post Bulletin.

Shane Elroy Roper, 32, of Hayfield, Minnesota, is facing nine criminal charges in Olmsted County District Court, including felony counts of second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation.

According to the criminal complaint, the crash happened on May 18 at the intersection of Memorial Parkway and 12th Street Southwest, near the Apache Mall.

Before the crash, Roper was traveling 83 mph in a 40-mph zone. Witnesses told police that the oncoming vehicle was "flying" and said they did not see or hear emergency lights or a siren, according to the complaint.

Due to the speed, Roper was unable to brake or maneuver his squad car to avoid the collision, the investigation found. The impact sent both cars eastbound through the intersection to collide with a Toyota Rav4. The criminal complaint said Roper's vehicle was traveling "at least" 55 mph when his squad car struck the Ford Focus that Flores was a passenger in.

Flores, of Owatonna, died as a result of the crash days away from her high school graduation. Five other individuals were injured.

Roper’s MSP disciplinary records revealed four prior crashes caused by inattentive driving or excessive speed. In two of the incidents Roper received a one-day suspension, records show.

Since 2019, Roper has violated 10 general orders, or MSP’s operating policies and procedures, across four incidents before the fatal crash on May 18, 2024.

Roper also has one open complaint in internal affairs, according to MSP Lt. Michael Lee.

Feb. 19, 2019: Roper crashed into another state unit

While responding to a call for assistance in 2019, Roper crashed into a state unit, injuring the other driver and resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles, according to a statement of charges filed by former MSP Lt. Col. Rochelle Schrofer.

According to the statement, Roper violated three general orders, including conduct; patrol unit operation and maintenance; and patrolling, parking, methods of speed enforcement.

Disciplinary records show he was served a written reprimand and was advised that similar conduct in the future may result in further disciplinary action.

May 22, 2021: Roper crashes into a vehicle after driving through a stop sign

On May 22, 2021, Roper was assigned to routine patrol duties in Rochester when he was involved in a traffic crash with another motorist, according to the statement of charges filed by Schrofer.

The statement said Roper entered an intersection with a stop sign and did not yield to a motorist turning left. Roper struck the back left of the other vehicle, which resulted in property damage to both the patrol car and the other vehicle.

Roper was not responding to any calls and he was not pursuing a suspected violator. His emergency lights and sirens were not activated, the statement said.

During the investigation, Roper said he did not recall seeing the stop sign or any of the events that led to the crash. According to the statement, stop signs are posted on both the right and left sides of the road, and a stop ahead sign was posted 400 feet before the stop signs.

According to the statement of charges, Roper violated three general orders, including conduct; patrolling and parking; and patrol unit, operation and maintenance.

Roper received a one-day suspension that was deducted from his vacation bank, according to disciplinary action from Schrofer.

Dec. 29, 2021: Roper hit a deer while speeding

Roper was responding to assist the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office when he struck a deer in the roadway, which damaged his patrol car, according to a statement of charges filed by Schrofer.

An investigation showed that Roper was driving at 77 mph, 22 mph over the posted speed limit, without activating his emergency lights or sirens.

According to the statement of charges, Roper violated the patrolling and parking general order and the mobile data computer general order.

Roper received a letter of reprimand from Schrofer, according to disciplinary records.

April 10, 2023: Roper crashed into a cable median barrier

Just over a year before the fatal crash that killed 18-year-old Olivia Flores, Roper was assigned to routine patrol duties in Rochester on the Sixth Street ramp to Highway 52. According to the statement of charges filed by Christina Bogojevic, Roper accelerated to a high speed to catch a speeding vehicle. At the time, Bogojevic was a lieutenant colonel with MSP, she has since been promoted to oversee the agency.

Because he was traveling at a speed above 90 mph, Roper’s squad video camera activated. Roper followed the suspected vehicle to the 16th Street exit ramp, lost control of the patrol car and left the roadway to the left, hitting a cable median barrier.

His emergency lights and sirens were not activated during the crash.

Roper said there was a “brake fade,” or an unexpected decrease in braking performance, as he entered the ramp.

The letter said he violated two general orders, including emergency vehicle operations and patrolling and parking.

Roper received a one-day unpaid suspension as disciplinary action.

When asked for comment, the Minnesota State Patrol pointed to Bogojevic’s comment from July 9.

"The conduct alleged in the criminal complaint is concerning and does not align with the State Patrol’s core values," Bogojevic said in the release. "The announcement of charges marks the next steps in the judicial process related to this case. We respect that process and cannot comment further due to ongoing criminal proceedings.

A benefit for the Flores family is scheduled for 4-9 p.m. on July 27 in Owatonna. The "Fly High Olivia - Benefit for the Flores Family" will take place at Owatonna Eagles 1791. All proceeds raised at the event will go directly to the Flores family, according to the event's Facebook page .