Vacaville police officer dies in hospital after being hit by vehicle during traffic stop
VACAVILLE — A Vacaville police officer died after he was hit by a driver while initiating a traffic stop, authorities said Thursday.
The Vacaville Police Department identified the officer as Matthew Bowen, 32. He was transported to and later declared dead at Kaiser Vacaville Medical Center.
The California Highway Patrol's Golden Gate division identified the driver arrested as Serena C.J. Rodriguez of Auburn, 24. Rodriguez is accused of being under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision.
Rodriguez was booked into the Solano County Jail and faces charges of homicide and DUI causing injury and/or death.
The CHP said Bowen, a motorcycle officer, had pulled someone over when he was hit from behind by a Rodriguez's vehicle.
The crash happened at the intersections of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive Thursday morning.
CBS Sacramento spoke with two drivers from two of the three other cars involved in the crash.
They said Officer Bowen's motorcycle and a silver Acura were along northbound Leisure Town Road when the collision happened.
"I was preparing to make a right turn and I didn't even see the person, but someone hit me, span around, she hit a cop too and he was on a motorcycle so he flew," Jonathan Ayson said.
"I immediately see an officer is down on the ground. I run over and check on him. I immediately get on the phone with 911," Trevor Ragland-Rosser said.
Police taped off the scene of the crash. Officer Bowen's motorcycle was lying on its side with significant damage.
A procession for Officer Bowen was held at around 4:30 p.m. It began at Kaiser Vacaville, then went west on Interstate 80 and ended at the coroner's office in Fairfield.
The CHP, Solano County Sheriff's Office and Fairfield Police Department joined Vacaville police in the procession.
"Matt was a magnetic personality. Somebody that always had a smile on his face, a positive attitude. Loved his family dearly. Loved this community. Because of that we are all broken hearted this evening," said Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler at a Thursday evening press conference.
Chief Schmutzler further described Bowen as a tremendous officer, but an even better person.
"Today is the day that every chief hopes never comes," Schmutzler said.
A memorial outside the department grew on Thursday as some members of the community paid their respects to a man they didn't know, but knew protected them until his watch ended.
"He will be missed. We have a great police department here in Vacaville," said local resident Michael Schwing, dropping off flowers.
Lara Penny joined him, a mother to a deputy herself.
She knows full well the fears of having a loved one serve in a field where something so routine as a traffic stop can quickly turn to tragedy. Her prayer for the Bowen family is for peace.
"I don't think there's any words that can take away their pain. I hope they feel supported and know their loss is our loss as well," said Penny.
Vacaville Mayor John Carli described Bowen as a hero.
"Everyone feels like they lost a family member today," said Carli.
Carli also celebrated the community members who police say stopped Rodriguez as she allegedly tried to flee the scene moments after the fatal crash.
CHP says bystanders detained her until she could be arrested.
"They came to the rescue. That began the process for the arriving officers to take control of the scene," said Carli. "No one should be behind the wheel if they are intoxicated for any reason. Now you have a deadly weapon, whether you know it or not."
Officer Bowen served the department since June 13, 2023, and was an officer with the Concord Police Department for 3.5 years prior to that.
"He has served with the highest level of dedication and honor, and his loss is deeply felt by the Department, the City and the community," the Vacaville Police Department said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
Bowen is survived by his wife, two children, his parents and a brother.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement honoring Officer Bowen. It reads, in part:
"We are grateful for the many brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Officer Bowen's service and sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Newsom also said flags would be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol in honor of Bowen.
