RICHLAND, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol Trooper faces vehicular homicide charges after allegedly driving drunk and causing a crash that killed 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez on March 1, 2025.
Trooper Sarah Clasen reportedly collided with Sanchez's motorcycle while making a left turn from State Route 240 into Village Parkway in the Horn Rapids neighborhood. Investigators noted the impact occurred on the front right fender of Clasen's SUV, and Sanchez was traveling at 53 mph in a 55 mph zone.
While emergency responders attempted to save Sanchez, he was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center and later pronounced dead. Clasen, who has been on administrative leave since the incident, refused to answer questions about alcohol consumption. However, an investigation revealed she had spent nearly four hours at a local bar with her husband prior to the crash.
Lab results indicated Clasen's blood alcohol level was .17 at the time of the collision, more than twice the legal limit. Clasen, a 13-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol, previously served as a public information officer for the region between Yakima and Walla Walla.
The case has been transferred from the Benton County Prosecutor's Office to Spokane County due to a conflict of interest. Clasen is scheduled for arraignment later in September.