Woman arrested for DUI in crash that killed Vacaville police officer

VACAVILLE, Calif. - Vacaville police held a solemn news conference where their chief confirmed one of his officers was struck and killed by the driver of a car while conducting a traffic stop 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 Ian Schmutzler of the Vacaville Police Department.

With his voice strained with emotion, Schmutzler said Officer Matthew Bowen was killed in the line of duty. 

The 32-year-old had been with this department for only 13 months, after transferring from Concord police, where he spent the previous three-and-a-half years. In the short time with his new workmates, he made lifelong connections thanks to what the chief described as a "magnetic personality."

"Somebody that always had a smile on his face. A positive attitude. Loved his family dearly. Loved this community," said Schmutzler.

Bowen was killed around 11 a.m. at Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive while he was doing a traffic stop, according to police. 

Investigators said 24-year-old Serena Rodriguez hit him causing critical injuries, then crashed into other cars. Witnesses said she then tried to walk away from the collision scene.

"She looked at the scene for two, five seconds, just casually walking away like it's no big deal," said Trevor Ragland-Rosser, one of the drivers Rodriguez allegedly hit after colliding into Bowen.

Fellow police officers and paramedics raced to the scene and tried to save their "brother-in-service."

"…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. 

Added Vacaville Mayor John Carli, "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.

Rodriguez was booked into the Justice Center Detention Facility on felony charges of murder and DUI causing bodily injury. She was also charged with a misdemeanor of providing a false ID to police.

She is being held without bail.

Vacaville police praised Bowen for his work ethic and dedication to family and the larger community.

"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," Vacaville police posted. 

Concord police also shared their condolences about the death of their former officer, saying they were heartbroken to hear the news, saying he was extremely well-liked and respected.

"[Bowen] served with distinction…he left a lasting impact on all of us who worked with him. Officer Bowen remained a cherished friend and colleague," the Concord Police Department said in a statement.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents and brother.

The department asked that the public respect the family's privacy "as they are faced with this heartbreaking loss." 

KTVU reporter Christien Kafton contributed to this report.