RICHLAND, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper faces vehicular homicide charges after an off-duty crash that killed 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez on March 1, 2025.
According to authorities, WSP Trooper Sarah Clasen’s personal vehicle collided with Sanchez’s motorcycle while she was making a left turn from State Route 240 into Village Parkway in the Horn Rapids neighborhood. Investigators reported Clasen’s vehicle impacted Sanchez’s motorcycle on the front right fender.
Sanchez was traveling at 53 mph in a 55 mph zone when the crash occurred. Despite attempts by Clasen and firefighters to save him, Sanchez was pronounced dead at Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
Clasen declined to answer questions regarding alcohol consumption; however, officials noted she had spent nearly four hours at a local bar prior to the incident. She claimed to be heading home from picking up a pizza at the time of the crash.
Lab results released in April indicated Clasen’s blood alcohol level was .17, over twice the legal limit. The Benton County Prosecutor’s office transferred the case to Spokane County due to a conflict of interest.
Clasen, a 13-year veteran of the WSP and former public information officer for the region, has been on administrative leave since the crash. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for later in September.