On July 11, 2024, Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen was on-duty working traffic enforcement when he was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver. The driver was taken into custody while fleeing the scene.
Use the following link to donate to his fund, where all donations will go to the Bowen family and to support the Vacaville Police Department staff during this tragic time.
From the press release – VACAVILLE, Calif. – It is with profound sadness that the City of Vacaville Police Department confirms the tragic passing of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed this morning in the line of duty.
Officer Bowen was initiating a traffic stop and was struck by a passing vehicle. The driver was taken into custody. Officer Bowen was transported to Kaiser Hospital and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, he succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Bowen started with the City of Vacaville on June 13, 2023. Prior to, he served as a Police Officer with the City of Concord Police Department. 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. He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents and brother.
It is with much gratitude that we thank our neighboring agencies who have poured out a tremendous amount of support during this time. We request that the public respect the family’s privacy as they are faced with this heartbreaking loss. The California Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation. Media inquiries regarding the investigation of this incident should be directed to the California Highway Patrol, Golden Gate Division Public Information Unit. All other media inquiries may be directed to Vacaville Lieutenant Cardona at 707.469.4801.
Police Chief lan Schmutzler will be issuing a statement at 6:00 PM at the Vacaville Police
Department, 660 Merchant Street.
Some of the news stories published after the event: