According to CBS News, a driver was arrested for striking and killing Officer Bowen. The driver was identified as 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez of Auburn by the California Highway Patrol's Golden Gate division. Rodriguez has been accused of driving while under the influence of drugs and faces charges of homicide and DUI causing injury and/or death.
The outlet described the accident, stating that Bowen, a motorcycle officer, had initiated a traffic stop when he was struck from behind by a vehicle allegedly driven by Rodriguez. Two of the other drivers involved in the original accident spoke to CBS and gave chilling details about the accident.
One of those drivers, Jonathan Ayson, told reporters, "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."
The other driver, Trevor Ragland-Rosser, recalled, "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."
The city of Vacaville shared a memorial post to X, stating, "It is with profound sadness that the City of Vacaville confirms the tragic passing of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed this morning in the line of duty."
In a statement released by Vacaville PD city officials wrote, "Officer Bowen was initiating a traffic stop and was struck by a passing 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.It is with profound sadness that the City of Vacaville confirms the tragic passing of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed this morning in the line of duty. View the release https://t.co/RYF6vn8aOw. Chief Schmutzler will issue a statement at 6:30 PM at the Vacaville Police Dept pic.twitter.com/kt9YS8HsnI
— City of Vacaville (@cityofvacaville) July 11, 2024
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. "
ABC10 shared a video of a procession for Officer Bowen on Thursday.
Henry K. Lee of KTVU shared images of the accident showing Officer Bowen's devastated motorcycle.Procession was held for Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen who died in the line of duty Thursday.
— ABC10 (@ABC10) July 12, 2024
Read more:https://t.co/Dk0NV3GGly pic.twitter.com/mkiNkIySgk
Police Chief Ian Schmutzler said at a press conference, "We lost a tremendous police officer and even better human being in Matthew Bowen," according to ABC10. "Matt was a magnetic personality, someone who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude, loved his family dearly, loved this community. Because of that, we’re all broken hearted this evening."Motorcycle Officer Matthew Bowen of @cityofvacaville PD killed after being hit by car while on duty at Leisure Town Road & Orange. The married father of 2 joined Vacaville last year after serving with/@ConcordPD_CA. @CHP_GoldenGate @ChpSolano on case pic.twitter.com/CxxEIIv1N6
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 11, 2024
Vacaville Mayor John Carli added, "We lost a hero today. He was a beloved officer and, as you heard the chief say, a wonderful human being. Today, we lost one of the very best."
Comments