California’s Vacaville Police Department (VPD) announced that one of their officers was run over by an allegedly drugged-up driver at a traffic stop Thursday morning.
Officer Matthew Bowen, the victim, was transported to the hospital but succumbed to injuries sustained from the incident, the VPD’s press statement read. (RELATED: Dem-Run Town Declines To Fly ‘Thin Blue Line’ Flag For Fallen Officer — But Agrees To Fly LGBT Pride Flag)
The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division wrote on Facebook that Bowen, a “motorcycle officer,” was “struck from behind” while “conducting a traffic stop.” Police apprehended 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez, the driver allegedly responsible for the incident. Rodriguez allegedly “attempted to flee the scene” of the crime but bystanders who witnessed the crash stopped her.
The CHP alleged that Rodriguez was driving “under the influence of drugs.” Authorities subsequently charged the suspect with homicide and driving “under the influence.” The City of Vacaville announced Bowen’s “tragic passing” and expressed their “profound sadness” in a statement on Twitter.
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
Bowen joined the VPD over a year prior to his death and previously served with the City of Concord Police Department, the VPD’s press statement read. “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,” the department wrote.