Vehicular homicide trial delayed again for former WSP Trooper Sarah Clasen

By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

BENTON COUNTY, Washington – The vehicular homicide trial for former Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Lee Clasen has once again been delayed. Defense attorney Scott Johnson confirms his client’s new trial has been scheduled for Nov. 11.

Clasen, who was off-duty on March 1, 2025, was involved in a fatal collision with motorcyclist Jhoser Emmanuel Vega-Sanchez, 20, in Richland, Washington. Prosecutors allege Clasen failed to yield at the intersection of State Route 240 and Village Parkway, leading to the crash.

Though Clasen attempted to provide aid at the scene, Vega-Sanchez later died from his injuries at a Tri-Cities hospital. Clasen refused field sobriety tests but was arrested after a Richland police officer deemed her impaired. A blood test later revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit.

Following her arrest and first court appearance, Clasen was released on her own recognizance and placed on paid administrative leave with a $133,511 salary. She resigned from her WSP position on April 1.

A pre-trial conference is set for Oct. 21. Clasen also faces a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim’s family.

Photo courtesy Richland Police Department