The Vacaville, California Police Department (VPD) announced that an officer was struck by a driver who was allegedly under the influence of drugs during a traffic stop Thursday morning.

The victim, Officer Matthew Bowen, was taken to the hospital where he later died from injuries sustained during the incident, according to a VPD press statement. read. (Related story: Democrat-run town refuses to fly 'Thin Blue Line' flag in memory of fallen cop, but agrees to fly LGBT Pride flag)

The California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Golden Gate Division posted on Facebook that “motorcycle officer” Bowen was “conducting a traffic stop” when he was “struck from behind.” Police arrested the driver allegedly responsible, Selena CJ Rodriguez, 24. Rodriguez allegedly “attempted to flee the scene,” but was stopped by a passerby who witnessed the accident.

The CHP alleged Rodriguez was driving “under the influence of drugs.” Authorities subsequently charged him with murder and driving “under the influence of drugs.” The City of Vacaville announced Bowen's “tragic death” in a statement on Twitter and expressed “deep sadness.”

It is with deep sadness that the City of Vacaville announces the tragic death of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was killed in the line of duty this morning. View release https://t.co/RYF6vn8aOwChief Schmutzler will make a statement at the Vacaville Police Department at 6:30 p.m. pic.twitter.com/kt9YS8HsnI

— City of Vacaville (@cityofvacaville) July 11, 2024

Bowen joined the VPD more than a year before his death and previously served with the Concord Police Department, a VPD press statement said. “He served with the highest level of dedication and honor and his death is a great loss to the department, the city and the community. He is survived by his wife, two sons, his parents and a brother,” police wrote.

The CHP is investigating his death.