Rochester police update investigation into Saturday crash involving Minnesota State Patrol car

May 20—ROCHESTER — As the investigation into a fatal crash involving a Minnesota State Patrol cruiser continues, the Rochester Police Department has named the victims of the crash that killed one person. The ministry also released additional details on how the accident occurred.

The accident, which occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, occurred at the intersection of Memorial Parkway and 12th Street Southwest, near the Apache Mall.

Three vehicles, including a Minnesota State Patrol cruiser, were involved in the crash and seven people were inside the vehicles. Other vehicles included a Ford Focus and a Toyota Rav4.

According to Rochester Police forensic mapping, preliminary information indicates the State Patrol car was heading east on 12th Street and the Ford Focus was heading west on 12th Street, turning south into Apache Mall. The vehicles collided and the Ford Focus was pushed into the Toyota RAV4, which was leaving Apache Mall and waiting to turn east onto 12th Street.

The Toyota ended up in the ditch.

A passenger in the Ford, Olivia Flores, 18, of Owatonna, was transported from the scene to Mayo Clinic-Saint Marys Hospital. She died from her injuries on Sunday May 19.

Others involved in the crash include Minnesota State Trooper Shane Roper, 32, of the Rochester District Office; State Patrol vehicle passenger Peter Meyer, 20, of Zumbrota; Angelina Bartz, 21, driver of the Ford, of Owatonna; Ford passenger Katarina Bartz, 19, of Owatonna; Emie Pasco, 36, driver of the Toyota, of Owatonna; and Gabriella Parker, 12, of Owatonna, a passenger in the Toyota.

In addition to Flores, the driver and other passengers of the Ford, as well as the driver and passenger of the state patrol vehicle, were transported to Saint Marys. The conditions of those transported to Saint Marys have not been released.

Both Pasco and Parker were treated at the scene of the accident for minor injuries, but were not transported to a hospital.

Rochester police continue to investigate the crash.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Flores’ family. As of Monday afternoon, more than $10,000 had been raised.

“Olivia’s life was cut short due to injuries she suffered in a tragic car accident,” the GoFundMe page states. “Last weekend, the Flores family received a text message that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Their child was in a horrible car accident. The incredible team of doctors and nurses did everything they could. she could to save Olivia but unfortunately, she didn’t survive.