Vacaville Officer Struck, Killed While Making a Traffic Stop

A Vacaville Police officer was struck and killed in a crash Thursday while making a traffic stop.

The motorcycle officer initiated a traffic stop when he was struck at Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive at approximently 10:30 am. That driver was taken into custody.

CHP issued the following statement as of 5:45 pm

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, at approximately 10:24 a.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Solano Area office were notified of a crash involving a Vacaville Police Department motorcycle officer that occurred in the intersection of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive, in the city of Vacaville. Once on scene, CHP officers learned that a Vacaville Police Department motorcycle officer was conducting a traffic stop when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. The officer began receiving medical aid on scene and was transported to a local hospital for treatment where tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the officer attempted to flee the scene on foot, however, she was detained by bystanders who witnessed the crash. CHP investigators contacted the driver, 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez of Auburn, and determined she was driving her vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Rodriguez was taken into custody and subsequently booked into Solano County Jail on charges of homicide and driving under the influence causing injury and/or death.

On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, we offer our most sincere condolences to the Vacaville Police Department and the family and friends of Officer Matthew Bowen. Officer Bowen’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we will continue to hold those closest to him in our hearts.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.

Released by Vacaville Police:

It is with profound sadness that the City of Vacaville Police Department confirms the tragic passing of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed this morning in the line of duty.

Officer Bowen was initiating a traffic stop and was struck by a vehicle. The driver was taken into custody. Officer Bowen was transported to Kaiser Hospital and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, he succumbed to his injuries.

Officer Bowen started with the City of Vacaville on June 13, 2023. Prior to, he served as a Police Officer with the City of Concord Police Department. 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. He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents and brother.

It is with much gratitude that we thank our neighboring agencies who have poured out a tremendous amount of support during this time. We request that the public respect the family’s privacy as they are faced with this heartbreaking loss.

The California Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation. Media inquiries regarding the investigation of this incident should be directed to the California Highway Patrol, Golden Gate Division Public Information Unit.

All other media inquiries may be directed to Vacaville Lieutenant Cardona at 707.469.4801.

Police Chief Ian Schmutzler will be issuing a statement at 6:30 PM at the Vacaville Police Department, 660 Merchant Street.

Just after 11:00 am Vacaville Police announced that the California Highway Patrol was investigating a major traffic collision in the area of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive. The intersection is currently shut down and will remained closed for a large portion of the day. Please avoid the area and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Prior to being hired by Vacaville Police, Bowen was an officer with the Concord Police Department. Concord released the following statement:

We, at the Concord Police Department, are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of former CPD officer, Matthew Bowen, Badge #614. Officer Bowen began his law enforcement career here in Concord in December 2019 and served with distinction. He was known for his work ethic, solid performance and friendly demeanor. Officer Bowen was extremely well-liked and respected as member of our department. He left a lasting impact on all of us who worked with him. Officer Bowen went on to continue his law enforcement career in June 2023 with the Vacaville Police Department. Even after his departure, Officer Bowen remained a cherished friend and colleague.

We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife and two sons, family, friends and community. Officer Bowen will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in Peace, Matt.

---

CHP Log: