Remembering Matthew Bowen: Concord Police Honor Vacaville Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

CONCORD, Calif. (KGO) – On Thursday morning, Vacaville police officer Matthew Bowen’s motorcycle was left in the street after he was fatally struck by a driver who may have been under the influence of drugs.

“We lost a great police officer this morning, but an even better person in Matthew Bowen,” Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler said at a press conference Thursday evening.

The California Highway Patrol said Bowen was conducting a traffic stop when he was struck from behind by the vehicle. He worked at the Concord Police Department before joining the Vacaville PD.

Concord Police paid tribute to Bowen with a tribute on Facebook, saying, “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 impression on all of us who worked with him.”

RELATED TOPICS: CHP says Vacaville police officer struck and killed by suspected drug-impaired driver

“He meant a lot to us. And then to hear this news was terrible. And it hurts. We will miss him,” said Officer Daniel Gallegos of the Concord Police Department.

Gallegos joined the police force around the same time as Bowen. They worked together for several years. He said Bowen was not only a good friend, but also a strong leader.

“This job is not easy. The things we have to go through on a daily basis, the things we see and experience – it’s always good to have someone by your side who has a positive attitude and is always in a good mood to cheer people up in dark times. He was the one who always did that, just with his attitude and personality,” Gallegos said.

Officer RJ Olson and Bowen were patrol partners in Concord for a year.

“I actually wanted to meet him for coffee. I had dog training in Vacaville yesterday. So we texted the night before,” Olson said.

MORE: Idaho sheriff’s deputy shot in the line of duty had ties to Bay Area, authorities say

But there was no answer on Thursday morning.

Olson described Bowen as someone who came to work willing to work hard. And reliable.

Bowen, 32, joined the Vacaville Police Department to be closer to home and spend more time with his wife and two young sons.

“He had the world ahead of him. He was still relatively new to his profession. And he has a young family, which makes it even sadder because they’re growing up and his kids probably didn’t have a chance to know him. It’s really hard to think about,” Olson said.

The driver accused of hitting Bowen was arrested and charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence.