Olivia Flores
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KFGO) – The family of an Owatonna woman killed in a Rochester traffic crash earlier this year is suing the former Minnesota state trooper charged in her death.
Olivia Flores, 18, was riding in a vehicle that was hit by a state patrol squad driven by ex-Trooper Shane Roper on May 18.
The traffic charges against the 32-year-old Hayfield man allege he was speeding at more than 80 mph in his squad car without the emergency lights activated when he collided with the vehicle that Flores was in. Records indicate Roper had been involved in four other crashes while driving his patrol vehicle and received a one-day suspension for one of the violations.
Roper was fired following an internal investigation in September.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court on Wednesday, alleges that Roper violated Flores’ 14th Amendment rights and claims he caused the young woman’s wrongful death.
The suit is seeking compensation for damages suffered by the Flores’ family and for attorney fees.
Roper’s next court appearance in the criminal case is set for February.
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