Vacaville police officer killed in collision – The Vacaville Reporter

A California Highway Patrol investigator photographs the front half of a Vacaville Police motorcycle that was involved in a multi-vehicle crash during a traffic stop on Leisure Town Road in Vacaville on Thursday. Officer Matt Bowen died of his injuries. (Chris Riley/The Reporter)

A Vacaville Police Department officer was struck and killed by a vehicle shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday morning

Matt Bowen – who joined the department in June 2023 – leaves behind a wife and two sons, according to a statement from Vacaville police. Both children are under the age of three, according to a family friend, who also noted that he lived in Dixon. Multiple officials stated online that he died at 3:30 p.m. Bowen also leaves behind his parents and a brother and previously served as a member of the Concord Police Department.

Fairfield Mayor Cat Moy posted on social media that she was with Mayor Carli and City Manager Aaron Busch when they heard the news of Bowen’s death.

“I personally pray for the soul of this hero and for his family. I am devastated,” Moy wrote. “I also pray that no one takes for granted those who work for us in public safety every day. Life is so fragile.”

Bowen was injured around 11 a.m. when one vehicle struck another at the corner of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive. One vehicle drove into Bowen, slamming him into another vehicle. Witnesses interviewed by the California Highway Patrol at the scene stated that the suspect attempted to leave the scene on foot before being arrested and taken into custody.

Bowen was taken to Kaiser Permanente Hospital after the accident, but died from his injuries. Several officers were present at the hospital Thursday afternoon, and police and firefighters remained on scene until late afternoon.

Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler was scheduled to hold a press conference at the Vacaville Police Department after the Times-Herald’s 6 p.m. deadline.

Officers from as far away as Antioch arrived at the scene, with participation primarily from the Fairfield and Vacaville police departments, the Vacaville Fire Department, Solano County Sheriff’s deputies and the California Highway Patrol. The CHP was unable to provide any further information at the time of this writing.

“We extend our deep gratitude to our neighboring agencies who have provided us with tremendous support during this time. We ask that the public respect the family’s privacy as they deal with this heartbreaking loss,” the VVPD statement said.

Senator Bill Dodd (D-District 3) issued a statement on the officer’s death Thursday afternoon.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Bowen, who dedicated his life to the safety of our community,” said Senator Dodd. “I join all North Bay residents in mourning and extend my deepest condolences to Officer Bowen’s family and his colleagues in law enforcement.”

“He served with the utmost dedication and honor and his loss is deeply regretted by the department, the city and the community. He leaves behind his wife, two sons, parents and a brother,” said Lt. Katie Cardona.

This story will continue to develop. For updates, visit www.thereporter.com and timesheraldonline.com.