VACAVILLE, Calif. — Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen, 32, was tragically killed in the line of duty on Thursday, July 11, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Officer Bowen was on motorcycle duty initiating a traffic stop near the intersection of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive when a vehicle driven by Serena C.J. Rodriguez, 24, of Auburn, allegedly struck him. Rodriguez was taken into custody after fleeing on foot and is believed to have been under the influence of drugs. She faces charges including homicide and DUI causing death or injury.
Officer Bowen was transported to Kaiser Vacaville Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries around 3:00 p.m.
A dedicated public servant, Officer Bowen joined the Vacaville Police Department in June 2023 after previously serving with the Concord Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two young sons, both under the age of three. He also leaves behind his parents and a brother. He lived in Dixon.

Colleagues and community members described him as a committed officer who served with honor and compassion. His death marks a profound loss for the Vacaville Police Department.



