Officer Matthew Bowen, who was a Dixon resident, died while serving in the line of duty. Courtesy photo

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Vacaville Police Officer, Matthew Bowen, who was a Dixon resident, was killed last week in a tragic accident at Leisure Town Road. He is survived by his wife, two young sons, parents and brother.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Solano reported that at approximately 10:24 a.m. Thursday, July 11, CHP officers were notified of a crash involving a Vacaville Police Department motorcycle officer that occurred in the intersection of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive in Vacaville. 

Once on scene, CHP officers learned that a Vacaville Police Department motorcycle officer was conducting a traffic stop when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. The officer began receiving medical aid on scene and was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the officer allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot; however, she was detained by bystanders who witnessed the crash. CHP investigators contacted the driver, 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez of Auburn, and determined she was driving her vehicle while under the influence of drugs. 

Rodriguez was taken into custody and booked into Solano County Jail on charges of homicide and driving under the influence causing injury and/or death.

A CHP report read, "On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, we offer our most sincere condolences to the Vacaville Police Department and the family and friends of Officer Matthew Bowen. Officer Bowen’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we will continue to hold those closest to him in our hearts. It is with profound sadness that the City of Vacaville Police Department confirms the tragic passing of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed this morning in the line of duty."

Bowen started with the City of Vacaville on June 13, 2023. He previously served as a police officer with the City of Concord Police Department.

"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.  It is with much gratitude that we thank our neighboring agencies who have poured out a tremendous amount of support during this time. We request that the public respect the family’s privacy as they are faced with this heartbreaking loss," the report concluded.

The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation and a fundraiser for the family has been posted on social media.