Richland, Wash. – The Richland Police Department’s case report on the fatal crash involving Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Clasen states that she was at a bar/restaurant for about four hours before the crash on March 1.
NonStop Local obtained the 393-page case report detailing the incident and other findings.
The reports reveal that Clasen, a 13-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol, and her husband spent about four hours at Moon Palace, a Chinese restaurant and bar near the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland
The couple arrived at the bar around 3:30 p.m. and left around 7:30 p.m., according to the documents. Investigators suspect that Moon Palace may have destroyed evidence related to Clasen’s visit. The police report noted that the business operates on a cash-only basis and requires customers to use a side entrance while keeping the front door locked.
According to the Washington State Patrol’s toxicology lab results, Clasen’s blood-alcohol content was 0.17%, more than double the legal limit.
After leaving Moon Palace, Clasen went to Domino’s on Jadwin Avenue to pick up a pizza just minutes before the deadly crash occurred. Clasen was suspected of vehicular homicide and was placed under a 72-hour hold in the Benton County Jail. However, she was released on her own recognizance, with the judge citing alternative means to protect the community.
The crash resulted in the death of 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez.
Charges have yet to be filed against Clasen.
