RICHLAND, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash on March 1, 2025, that killed 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez.

WSP Trooper Sarah Clasen reportedly caused the collision while off-duty in her personal vehicle, turning from State Route 240 into Village Parkway in the Horn Rapids neighborhood. Authorities said she struck Sanchez's motorcycle.

According to body camera footage obtained by KEPR News, Clasen claimed to be traveling at 20 mph and asserted that Sanchez had rammed into her while potentially speeding. However, investigators found that the damage to Clasen's SUV indicated her vehicle struck Sanchez's motorcycle on the front right fender. Officials noted Sanchez was traveling at 53 mph in a 55 mph zone at the time of the crash.

Despite efforts from Clasen and firefighters to save Sanchez, he was pronounced dead at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Clasen did not respond to inquiries about her drinking habits, but an investigation revealed she had spent nearly four hours at a local bar prior to the incident. Police indicated she was en route home after picking up a pizza when the crash occurred.

Lab results confirmed Clasen's blood alcohol level to be .17, more than twice the legal limit. The Benton County Prosecutor's office has transferred the case to Spokane County due to a conflict of interest.

Clasen, a public information officer with 13 years of service, has been on administrative leave since the incident. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for later this month.