Motorcyclist KILLED in Fatal Crash—Washington State Cop DRUNK Behind the Wheel!
An allegedly intoxicated Washington State Patrol officer’s SUV smashed into a young motorcyclist, killing him on impact. 🌐 #News #RichlandWA #Washington #Crime
RICHLAND, WA – A tragic collision on Saturday night claimed the life of 20-year-old motorcyclist Jhoser Sanchez after an allegedly intoxicated off-duty Washington State Patrol (WSP) public information officer, Sarah Clasen, struck him with her SUV. The incident occurred at 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 240 and Village Parkway in Richland, Washington, more than 200 miles southeast of Seattle. Clasen, a 35-year-old 14-year veteran of the WSP, has been placed on administrative leave following the crash.
According to police reports, Clasen was driving west on SR-240, returning home, when she attempted a left turn onto Village Parkway. At the same time, Sanchez was riding east on his motorcycle, nearing the intersection. Clasen turned in front of Sanchez, resulting in a collision that left the motorcycle nearly fully lodged beneath the front of her vehicle on the side of the highway. Officers arrived at 7:39 p.m. to find lifesaving measures already underway, but Sanchez later died at a hospital.
Investigation Reveals Signs of Impairment
The Washington State Patrol initially responded to the crash but handed the investigation over to the Richland Police Department (RPD) upon identifying Clasen as an off-duty trooper, a move intended to maintain transparency and impartiality. RPD officers noted several signs of impairment in Clasen, including slurred speech, glassy eyes, and disorganized statements. An odor of intoxicants was also detected on her person, according to Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Eisinger.
During questioning, Clasen reportedly mentioned picking up a pizza from Domino’s prior to the crash. She declined to perform field sobriety tests or provide a breath sample, with an affidavit noting she told an officer she understood the process. Police identified inconsistencies in her account of the events, leading to her arrest. Clasen was booked into Benton County Jail on a 72-hour hold and released on her own recognizance. A blood alcohol concentration sample has been taken and is pending analysis.
Defense Claims Speeding Contributed to Crash
Clasen’s defense attorney, Scott Johnson, offered a different perspective in court on Monday. He argued that Clasen was familiar with the intersection and had checked her surroundings before turning. Johnson contended that Sanchez was traveling at a high speed, suggesting the turn would have been safe otherwise. He also noted that Clasen immediately performed CPR on Sanchez after the crash, a detail not included in the affidavit.
Clasen reportedly told police she saw a single light, which she thought might belong to a car with one headlight, and believed the motorcyclist was exceeding the posted speed limit.
She is scheduled to appear in court on March 12 to face charges related to the incident. As the investigation continues, the Richland Police Department remains focused on determining the full circumstances of this fatal collision.
A Moment for Reflection
We pause to honor the memory of Jhoser Sanchez, a young life taken too soon, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends grappling with this profound loss. The Richland community stands together in the wake of this tragedy, united in grief and a shared commitment to seek justice and understanding. May we find strength in one another, holding onto the hope that through compassion and accountability, healing can begin for all those touched by this sorrowful event. – Jack & Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | Crime | Washington
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