SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. — The woman accused of hitting and killing a Vacaville police officer while he was conducting a traffic stop appeared in court for the first time Monday afternoon.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony complaint, alleging that suspect Serena CJ Rodriguez committed murder.
"The felony complaint further alleges a special circumstance that Mathew Bowen, an officer in the Vacaville Police Department, was intentionally killed while he was engaged in the performance of his duties," said Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams.
During a press conference following an arraignment, Abrams did not elaborate on why her office believe he was intentionally killed.
Dozens of Vacaville police officers gathered at Solano County Superior Court for the arraignment, filling the courtroom. Officer Bowen's parents were also at the arraignment.
Police officers hugged each other as they left Solano County Superior Court.
“This is a very, very tough day for Solano County," Abrams said. “On behalf of the Solano County DA's office, I want to extend our condolences to Officer Matthew Bowen's wife, his two young children, his parents, his law enforcement family at the Vacaville police department and to all of our partners in law enforcement."
The suspect is accused of hitting and killing Officer Bowen during a traffic stop on Leisure Town Road last week.
The court appearance lasted just three minutes and few words were exchanged between the judge and defendant, 24-year-old-Serena CJ Rodriguez. Rodriguez was given a public defender.
In court, the public defender asked the judge whether the death penalty would be sought in this case. The prosecutor would not specify at this time.
At the time of the crash, Rodriguez was on probation in Placer County. According to the Placer County District Attorney's Office, she failed to show up for a court hearing in March and a bench warrant was issued for her to appear.
Police officers hugged each other as they left Solano County Superior Court.
ABC10 also obtained new details about the crash.
The California Highway Patrol said five vehicles in total were involved in the crash, including the suspect's vehicle and Officer Bowen's motorcycle. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The CHP said the suspect was not injured in the crash.
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