RICHLAND, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol Trooper has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash on March 1, 2025.
Trooper Sarah Clasen is accused of causing the death of 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez while off-duty in her personal vehicle. Reports indicate that Clasen was making a left turn from State Route 240 into Village Parkway when she struck Sanchez's motorcycle.
Initial body camera footage revealed Clasen claimed she was traveling around 20 mph at the time of the collision, suggesting Sanchez may have been speeding. However, investigators noted damage to her vehicle indicated her SUV struck the motorcycle, and Sanchez was traveling at 53 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Despite attempts by Clasen and first responders to revive Sanchez, he was pronounced dead at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Clasen did not answer questions regarding alcohol consumption; however, an investigation found she had spent nearly four hours at a local bar with her husband before the incident.
Lab results revealed Clasen's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit, at the time of the crash.
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 the Washington State Patrol, has been on administrative leave and is scheduled for an arraignment hearing later in September.