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, who was off-duty at the time, reportedly made a left turn from State Route 240 into Village Parkway when her vehicle collided with Sanchez's motorcycle. According to investigators, Clasen claimed she was traveling at approximately 20 mph and suggested Sanchez was speeding, though evidence indicated her SUV struck the motorcycle on the front right fender. Sanchez was confirmed to be traveling at 53 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Despite emergency efforts from Clasen and firefighters, Sanchez was pronounced dead at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Clasen declined to answer questions about drinking; however, authorities revealed she had been at a bar with her husband for nearly four hours before the accident.
Lab results later indicated Clasen's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit. The case has been transferred from the Benton County Prosecutor's office to Spokane County due to a conflict of interest.
Clasen, a 13-year veteran of WSP, has been on administrative leave since the incident. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for later this month.