On March 1, 2025, while off-duty, Clasen allegedly made a left turn on State Route 240 in Richland, Washington, colliding with 20-year-old motorcyclist Jhoser Sanchez. Sanchez was pronounced dead after being transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
Responding officers noted signs of impairment in Clasen, including slurred speech and glassy eyes. She declined to perform field sobriety tests or a preliminary breath test at the scene. Subsequently, Clasen was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and DUI, and was booked into the Benton County Jail.
Following her initial court appearance, Clasen was released with conditions, including the installation of an ignition interlock device and obtaining an alcohol monitoring device. The Benton County Prosecutor’s Office has appointed the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office as a special prosecutor in this case due to Clasen’s position in local law enforcement.
The investigation is ongoing and results from Clasen’s blood tests are pending.