Driver arrested for drunk driving in crash that killed Vacaville police officer – NBC Bay Area

A driver who allegedly struck and killed a police officer in Vacaville on Thursday morning is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, authorities said.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Serena CJ Rodriguez, 24, of Auburn was driving a vehicle that struck Officer Matthew Bowen around 10:30 a.m. as he conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive.

Bowen, a motorcycle officer, was struck from behind by a car, the CHP said. Medical aid was rendered at the scene and Bowen was taken to a hospital, but he died from his injuries.

Rodriguez attempted to flee on foot after the collision but was stopped by bystanders, the CHP said. The suspect was booked into the Solano County Jail on suspicion of manslaughter and driving under the influence causing injury and/or death.

Bowen had been with the department since June 2023 after coming to Vacaville from the Concord Police Department.

“He served with the utmost dedication and honor and his loss is deeply regretted by the department, the city and the community,” the police department said in a statement.

Bowen leaves behind his wife, two sons, parents and a brother.