RICHLAND, Wash. – New information has emerged in the investigation of Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Clasen, who was arrested following a crash that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez last March. Clasen’s blood alcohol test reportedly showed levels over double the legal limit. She was charged with vehicular homicide six months later.
Richland Police Department is still examining evidence ahead of Clasen’s upcoming court date. Newly released body camera footage offers a closer look at the investigation, showing detectives searching the Moon Palace bar where Clasen was drinking the night of the crash.
Investigators noted the manager of Moon Palace was hesitant to answer questions about Clasen’s presence at the bar, initially stating she was there “a long time ago.” The manager refused to provide information about which employees were working that night and claimed to have no records of sales or customers. However, detectives found boxes of receipts from other dates.
Officers noted there were only two receipts from March 1, 2025, suggesting that records from the night of the crash were likely tampered with.
Another employee provided a different account, stating that every drink is documented unless paid for with cash immediately. The employee added that Clasen and her group are regulars at the bar and there should be documentation of their orders.
Police found older receipts dating back to December, raising questions about why records from the night of the crash are missing. A separate body cam video shows police returning a box of receipts over a month later. After reviewing more evidence, police do not suspect the manager of tampering with evidence. The manager still declined to provide a statement about the conflicting information.
Clasen’s next court hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2025.
