In a heart-wrenching news conference, Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler confirmed the tragic death of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was struck and killed by a DUI driver while conducting a traffic stop on Thursday. “Today is the day every chief hopes never comes. We lost a tremendous police officer but an even better person this morning,” said Chief Schmutzler, his voice strained with emotion.
Officer Bowen, only 32 years old, had been with the Vacaville Police Department in California for just 13 months after transferring from Concord Police, where he served for three-and-a-half years.
“Somebody that always had a smile on his face. A positive attitude. Loved his family dearly. Loved this community,” Schmutzler added.
The tragic incident occurred around 11 a.m. at Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive. Investigators stated that 24-year-old Serena Rodriguez struck Officer Bowen, causing critical injuries before crashing into other cars.
“…Despite heroic efforts by other officers on scene, by members of the Vacaville fire department, and members of the Kaiser trauma staff, Officer Bowen succumbed to his injuries,” said Schmutzler.
Vacaville Mayor John Carli added, “No one wants to come to work and believe it’s their last day. He left behind his wife and two young children. And in doing so, we lost a hero today.”
Rodriguez was eventually taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol and booked into the Justice Center Detention Facility. She faces felony charges of murder and DUI causing bodily injury, along with a misdemeanor for providing a false ID to police. Rodriguez is being held without bail.
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 [1]. Chief Schmutzler will issue a statement at 6:30 PM at the Vacaville Police Dept pic.twitter.com/kt9YS8HsnI [2]
— City of Vacaville (@cityofvacaville) July 11, 2024 [3]
Procession was held for Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen who died in the line of duty Thursday.
Read more:https://t.co/Dk0NV3GGly [4] pic.twitter.com/mkiNkIySgk [5]
— ABC10 (@ABC10) July 12, 2024 [6]