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Washington State Trooper Charged With Fatal DUI
Washington State Trooper Sarah Clasen is facing a vehicular homicide charge after a deadly crash involving a motorcyclist. Months after the collision, new details and bodycam footage reveal her behavior at the scene and the investigation into her actions leading up to the crash. Criminal defense attorney Andrea Burkhart joins Law&Crime’s Sidebar to discuss the case, the timeline for charges, and an ongoing civil lawsuit.
https://youtu.be/9sVh4ZUVd7I?si=PcRwPU0U3e7RPyfJ -
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A Washington State Patrol trooper has been formally charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 20-year-old motorcyclist earlier this year. The incident, which occurred on March 1, 2025, has sparked widespread public outcry and renewed scrutiny over accountability within law enforcement.
The Incident
Trooper Sarah Clasen, 35, was off-duty and driving her personal vehicle—a Kia Telluride—when she attempted a left turn from State Route 240 onto Village Parkway in the Horn Rapids neighborhood of Richland. During the maneuver, she collided with an oncoming motorcycle operated by Jhoser Vega Sanchez, who was traveling within the posted speed limit of 55 mph.
Sanchez sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at Kadlec Regional Medical Center shortly after the crash.
Allegations of Intoxication.
Investigators determined that Clasen had spent nearly four hours at a local bar with her husband prior to the crash. Surveillance footage showed her leaving the establishment shortly before picking up a pizza from Domino’s, just minutes before the collision.
At the scene, Clasen refused to answer questions about alcohol consumption and declined both field sobriety and breathalyzer tests. A court-ordered blood test later revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17%—more than twice the legal limit.
Witnesses described Clasen as disoriented and slow to respond, with some alleging she attempted to flee the scene before being stopped. Body camera footage reportedly captured her laughing and making incoherent statements, behavior that investigators said was inconsistent with the gravity of the situation.
Legal Proceedings
Due to potential conflicts of interest in Benton County, the case was transferred to Spokane County for prosecution. Clasen has been charged with one count of vehicular homicide while under the influence and is scheduled for arraignment on September 24, 2025. She remains on paid administrative leave from the Washington State Patrol.
Her attorney, Scott Johnson, has pushed back against public criticism, stating that Clasen deserves a fair and impartial trial. “Drawing conclusions without all the facts is not only irresponsible, but also unjust to our client,” Johnson said in a statement.
Community Reaction
The death of Jhoser Sanchez has devastated his family and ignited calls for justice across the Tri-Cities region. A wrongful death lawsuit has also been filed against Clasen and her husband. Social media platforms and local news outlets have been flooded with comments questioning the delay in filing charges and demanding greater transparency.
As the legal process unfolds, many in the community are watching closely, hoping the case will set a precedent for accountability—regardless of badge or rank.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by Chase.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by
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