In a tragic incident, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper, Shane Roper, was charged in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the life of an 18-year-old Owatonna high school cheerleader and left five others injured. The collision occurred at an intersection in Rochester, where Roper was driving his squad car at excessive speeds without his lights on, resulting in a chain reaction that involved multiple vehicles. The charges against Roper highlight his alleged negligent driving conduct and disregard for the safety of others on the road.
Despite the trooper’s claims of attempting to “close the gap” with another vehicle before the crash, documents reveal a pattern of reckless behavior, including prior crashes due to inattentive driving and excessive speed. Roper’s actions on the day of the accident, where he reached speeds of up to 98 mph in a 40 mph zone, were deemed grossly negligent by authorities. The charges brought against him include second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, and multiple counts of criminal vehicular operation, reflecting the severity of the incident and its consequences.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol expressed condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized that Roper’s alleged conduct contradicts the organization’s core values. The legal proceedings surrounding the case underscore the importance of accountability and the need to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. As Roper remains on paid investigative leave, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of reckless driving behavior and the necessity of upholding road safety standards.
