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New information released on WSP trooper deadly crash
Officers said the off-duty trooper, 35-year-old Sarah Clasen, declined to complete field sobriety tests or a preliminary breath test.
RICHLAND, Wash. - A Washington State trooper is under investigation following a deadly crash on Saturday evening.
Timeline:
The off-duty trooper, 35-year-old Sarah Clasen, was driving her personal vehicle and taken into custody related to a crash on State Route 240 in Richland, Washington on Mar. 1.
According to Richland Police, Clasen attempted to make a left turn onto Village Parkway from SR 240. The victim, 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez, crashed his motorcycle into the front of Clasen's vehicle as she allegedly turned in front of him. Sanchez was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Officers said Clasen declined to complete field sobriety tests or a preliminary breath test. Police also said they identified several inconsistencies in Clasen’s account of the incident, and noted she had slurred speech, disorganized statements and glassy eyes.
Clasen was arrested and booked into jail for suspicion of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. She has since been released, and her blood sample is pending analysis.
WSP Trooper Sarah Clasen
"The Washington State Patrol offers our sincerest condolences to the victim and their loved ones. I have every confidence that the Richland Police Department will investigate this case with great care and professionalism," said Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste.
Trooper Clasen is the Public Information Officer for the following Washington counties: Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Walla Walla, and Yakima.
What they're saying:
Chief Batiste continued, reminding the public to be cautious drivers and reiterating that their department will cooperate with RPD.
"We are thankful there were no other injuries and will of course cooperate in any way requested by the independent investigating agency. We are reminded in times like these that law enforcement officers are not immune from tragedy nor from personal accountability, and we urge all motorists to always drive with focus, care, and caution."
This case remains under investigation.
The Source: Information for this report comes from the Washington State Patrol and Richland Police Department.
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