Off-duty WSP trooper involved in fatal crash out of jail

RICHLAND, Washington – Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Lee Clasen, 35, of Richland was released on her own recognizance following her court appearance Monday in Benton-Franklin Counties Superior Court. She was arrested Saturday following her involvement in a collision which resulted in a fatality.

Richland Police Department Commander of Investigations Damon Jenson said at 7:39 p.m. Saturday, Clasen was involved in a collision after turning in front of a motorcycle on State Route 240 at Village Parkway in Richland. The motorcycle operator, Jhoser Sanchez, 20, of Richland, was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. His autopsy is scheduled for today (Tuesday).

Off duty and driving her own vehicle at the time of the crash, Clasen declined to complete a standardized field sobriety test and preliminary breath tests, according to Jenson. He added during a Monday evening news conference that RPD officers determined Clasen was impaired at the time of the crash and booked her into the Benton County Jail on a 72-hour hold for vehicular homicide. Investigators obtained a court-authorized search warrant for a blood sample, which was collected and is pending analysis.

Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger announced during Clasen’s first court appearance Monday afternoon, that he has until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday to file charges. He added he’s seeking a special prosecutor.

Clasen, a 14-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol, has been placed on paid administrative leave. As part of her release, she is required to wear a blood alcohol monitor bracelet and install an ignition interlock device on her car.

Her arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at 8:30 a.m.

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