VACAVILLE, Calif. — An officer was hit and killed while working Thursday, the Vacaville Police Department confirmed.
Officer Matthew Bowen, 32, was "initiating a traffic stop" near Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive around 10:30 a.m. when he was hit by a car from behind. Bowen was taken to the hospital where he later died.
California Highway Patrol says the driver, identified as 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez from Auburn, tried to run after hitting Bowen, but was held by bystanders who saw the crash. Rodriguez was arrested at the scene after officials "determined she was driving her vehicle while under the influence of drugs."
Bowen started with the Vacaville Police Department June 13, 2023 and previously worked as a police officer at the Concord Police Department from 2019 to 2023.
"He was known for his work ethic, solid performance and friendly demeanor," said the Concord Police Department in a statement. "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."
The Vacaville Police Department says he is survived by his two young sons, wife, parents and brother.
“Today is the day that every chief hopes never comes," said Police Chief Ian Schmutzler. "We lost a tremendous police officer and even better human being in Matthew Bowen... 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."
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff to honor Bowen, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office.
"We lost a hero today," said Vacaville Mayor John Carli. "He was a beloved officer and, as you heard the chief say, a wonderful human being. Today we lost one of the very best."
Rodriguez was on probation in Placer County with a bench warrant to appear in court after failing to do so in March, according to the Placer County District Attorney's Office. They say she violated the terms of her probation in December of 2023. It's unclear what she did to violate said terms but she was never taken back into custody.
Police have closed down the intersection and California Highway Patrol officers are investigating. No other information is known at this time.
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