RICHLAND, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol trooper has been charged with vehicular homicide following a crash that killed 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez on March 1, 2025.
Trooper Sarah Clasen, while off-duty, was reportedly making a left turn from State Route 240 into Village Parkway when her vehicle collided with Sanchez's motorcycle. Investigators stated that physical evidence indicated Clasen's SUV struck the motorcycle on the front right fender. At the time of the incident, Sanchez was traveling at 53 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Emergency responders, including Clasen and firefighters, attempted to save Sanchez, who succumbed to his injuries at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Clasen, who had been at a local bar for nearly four hours before the crash, declined to answer questions regarding alcohol consumption. Authorities later confirmed her 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 and former public information officer for the Washington State Patrol, has been on administrative leave since the incident. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for later this month.