Public To Line Streets For Fallen Bay Area Police Officer

BAY AREA, CA — Law enforcement from throughout the Bay Area, California, and the nation were preparing to pay tribute to fallen Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen — a former Concord police officer — who was killed July 11 in the line of duty.

A memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, for Officer Bowen, who was fatally struck by a car during a traffic stop. Bowen was rushed to a nearby Kaiser hospital, where, despite the best efforts of emergency responders, he died from his injuries.

After recently marking his one-year anniversary June 13 with the Vacaville Department, Bowen's life was cut short. Before that, Bowen worked for more than three years as an officer with the Concord Police Department.

Around 10:20 a.m. July 11, Bowen was working as a motorcycle officer with the Vacaville Police Department traffic division and initiated a traffic stop at Leisure Town Road near Orange Drive.During the initiation of that stop, he was struck by a third vehicle not involved in the stop, Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler said.

Despite the heroic efforts of other officers on the scene, members of the Vacaville Fire Department, and members of the Kaiser trauma staff, Bowen died from injuries suffered in the crash, the chief said.

"Today is the day every chief hopes never comes," Schmutzler said. "We lost a tremendous police officer but an even better human being this morning in Matthew Bowen."

Bowen was 32 years old and is survived by his wife and their two young sons; his parents, and his brother.

The chief said Bowen had a magnetic personality, always had a smile on his face, loved his family dearly and loved his community.

"Because of that we are all broken-hearted," Schmutzler said.

On the afternoon of his death, the Concord Police Department posted a statement:

"We, at the Concord Police Department, are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of former CPD officer, Matthew Bowen, Badge #614. Officer Bowen began his law enforcement career here in Concord in December 2019 and served with distinction. He was known for his work ethic, solid performance and friendly demeanor. Officer Bowen was extremely well-liked and respected as a member of our department. He left a lasting impact on all of us who worked with him.

"Officer Bowen went on to continue his law enforcement career in June 2023 with the Vacaville Police Department. Even after his departure, Officer Bowen remained a cherished friend and colleague. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife and two sons, family, friends and community. Officer Bowen will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in Peace, Matt."

Vacaville Police have asked the public to respect Bowen's family as they deal with this heartbreaking loss.

It is alleged that a 24-year-old woman out of Auburn, Serena Rodriguez, intentionally killed Bowen while he was engaged in his duties. She was arrested that same day and remained in custody Friday without bail, the Solano County District Attorney's office said.

Bowen is the first Vacaville Police Department officer to be killed in the line of duty. It is a tight community and many members of the police department were born and raised in Vacaville.

"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," the Vacaville Police Department said. "It is with much gratitude that we thank our neighboring agencies, who have poured out a tremendous amount of support during this time."

As space is limited, Officer Bowen's services are closed to the public. However, the service will be live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, on the City’s YouTube account. Once it goes live, it can be viewed here and on YouTube.

Police encourage the community to pay their respects and honor Officer Bowen by gathering along the route and waving an American flag as the processional passes. Flags have been donated by several local organizations and may be picked up along the route. Flag locations will be updated on the city's webpage as more are added.

Map Shows Memorial Procession Route

Law enforcement agencies were sending condolences far and wide, and close to home. Here are statements made by nearby agencies:

Antioch Police Department: "With heavy hearts, the men and women of the Antioch Police Department extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer M.atthew Bowen. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are grieving this profound loss. Rest in peace, Officer Bowen."

Benicia Police Department: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Officer Matthew Bowen. The Benicia Police Department sends our sympathy and support to the Vacaville Police Department and the family of Officer Bowen."

Davis Police Department: "Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Officer Matthew Bowen from the Vacaville Police Department. Officer Bowen served with bravery, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the community.

"... We stand in solidarity with Vacaville Police Department and the entire community during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Bowen's family, friends, and colleagues. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Napa Police Department: "Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Officer Matthew Bowen as well as the entire Vacaville Police Department and Community. ... Rest easy Officer Bowen."

Napa County Sheriff's Office: "Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed this morning in the line of duty. ... May Officer Bowen rest in peace."

Suisun City Police Department: "The Suisun City Police Department mourns alongside the Vacaville Police Department and Officer Bowens family and friends. We send our condolences to all who knew and loved him, and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Solano County Sheriff's Office: Our hearts our heavy today following the death of Vacaville PD Officer Matthew Bowen. We extend our sincere condolences to the Vacaville PD family and to Officer Bowen’s loved ones.

Vallejo Police Department: VPD extends its condolences to Vacaville PD. We grieve the loss of Ofc. Matthew Bowen & honor his dedication & service. Your sacrifice will always be remembered. In this difficult time, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ofc. Bowen’s family & the Vacaville community.

Additionally, a few members of the Concord Police Department got together and are selling memorial T-shirts to benefit Bowen's wife and his two young sons

"Officer Bowen was well-liked and known for being one of the nicest officers. He was also an amazing friend, father and husband. He impacted many people's lives and he will be truly missed. Please consider purchasing a shirt to commemorate his life, or add a donation of any amount. All proceeds raised will be going to Matthew's wife and children, " according to the page set up by the Concord officers. "Officer Bowen will never be forgotten. Rest easy, we have it from here. Your LEO family will continue to watch over and be there to support Liz and the boys."

Lastly, in response to several requests from community members wishing to help, the Vacaville Police Department shared links to two funds that will directly benefit Bowen's family and the cost of his memorial services:

• Peace Officers Relief & Education Foundation
• Officer Matthew Bowen Memorial Fund

"If you would like to show support for the Bowen family and our department, we encourage flags being flown in front of houses, businesses and from vehicles," Vacaville PD said. "The small sentiment of seeing flags displayed proudly around our community means the world to us."