What happened to Sarah Clasen?

Former Washington State Trooper Sarah L. Clasen resigned from the Washington State Patrol effective April 1, 2026. She pleaded innocent to vehicular homicide charges stemming from a fatal DUI collision in March 2025, and her trial has been delayed to September 28, 2026. She also faces a wrongful death lawsuit.

Was Sarah Clasen charged?

Yes, Sarah L. Clasen was charged with one count of vehicular homicide while under the influence approximately six months after the crash. She pleaded innocent to the charge.

What happened in the Jhoser Vega Sanchez crash?

On March 1, 2025, off-duty Washington State Trooper Sarah L. Clasen allegedly failed to yield while making a left turn, striking and fatally injuring 20-year-old motorcyclist Jhoser Vega Sanchez. Clasen later tested positive for intoxication and was charged with vehicular homicide. Witnesses reported she 'laughed casually' at the scene.

Is Trooper Sarah Clasen's husband involved?

Yes, Sarah L. Clasen's husband is named as a defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jhoser Vega Sanchez's family. Investigators also found that Clasen and her husband had spent nearly four hours at a Richland bar prior to the crash.

vehicular-homicide · Richland, Washington

Trooper Sarah Clasen Resigns, Vehicular Homicide Trial Delayed After Fatal DUI Crash

What happened?

Court pending

Former Washington State Trooper Sarah L. Clasen resigned from the Washington State Patrol effective April 1, 2026, after being on paid administrative leave since her March 2025 fatal DUI collision.

6 sourcesBy AfterTheClip Desk · Last checked Jul 10, 2026

Sources: KREM; Law&Crime; Tri-City Herald; KREM; KREM

Timeline

Mar 1, 2025
Off-duty Washington State Trooper Sarah L.
Sep 4, 2025
Prosecutors charged Sarah L.
Sep 24, 2025
Clasen pleaded innocent to the vehicular homicide charge and was not held in jail, remaining out
Nov 25, 2025
The YouTube clip titled 'Cop Laughs After Hitting Motorcyclist As He's Dying' was uploaded, showing the
Mar 1, 2026
The civil trial for the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jhoser Vega Sanchez's family against Clasen
Apr 1, 2026
Sarah L. Clasen resigned from the Washington State Patrol, effective this date.
Sep 28, 2026
Clasen's vehicular homicide trial is now scheduled for this date, following multiple delays attributed to her

Receipts

Law&CrimeSep 8, 2025
youtube.comNov 25, 2025
Tri-City HeraldSep 4, 2025
KREMSep 5, 2025
KREMDec 1, 2025
KREMApr 1, 2026

How we researched this & corrections

This story was compiled using public reporting from news outlets and official statements regarding court proceedings and employment status.

Spot something wrong? Corrections: corrections@aftertheclip.com.

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