Tragedy in Vacaville:
A Vacaville motorcycle officer was killed in a crash in that city on Thursday morning, according to the Vacaville Police Department.
Police reported that Officer Matthew Bowen, 32, attempted to initiate a traffic stop when he was struck by another vehicle near Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive, on the northeast edge of the city, around 10:30 a.m.
Although the details of the crash have not been clarified, the motorcycle was observed in the roadway with severe damage, and at least two other vehicles nearby also showed damage.
Bowen was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. He is survived by his wife and two young sons.
Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmultzer made a brief statement on Thursday: "Every chief hopes this day never comes."
He continued, "[Bowen] had a magnetic personality, always had a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and loved his family and community."
Schmultzer added that Bowen’s family is asking for privacy at this time, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will release a statement with more information soon.
The driver of the vehicle was identified by the CHP as Serena Rodriguez, 24, of Auburn. According to the CHP, she was driving under the influence of drugs and was detained by people who witnessed the crash.
Rodriguez was taken to the Solano County Jail and faces charges of homicide and driving under the influence causing injury and/or death.
The status of any other drivers or passengers involved in the crash is unknown.
According to the police, Bowen had been with the department since June 13, 2023, and had previously worked with the Concord Police Department for about three years.
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