A woman who fatally struck a Vacaville police officer with her car has been charged with murder and could be eligible for the death penalty, her defense attorney said.
Serena CJ Rodriguez is accused of deliberately running over Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen on July 11 while he was stopped for a traffic stop with another vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release. Rodriguez allegedly tried to flee the scene but was caught by bystanders who witnessed the crash. She was initially charged with suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs but was ultimately charged with murdering a police officer on Monday.
Bowen, 32, died in hospital. He was survived by his wife, two children, his parents and his brother.
“We are disappointed that the prosecution has decided to pursue potentially death penalty charges against a troubled young woman under these circumstances and hope the community will not rush to judgment while the investigation is ongoing,” Rodriguez’s public defender, Elena M. D’Agustino, said in an email.
Rodriguez had previous encounters with police in Placer County and had an outstanding arrest warrant at the time of the crash, according to CBS affiliate KOVR.
In November 2022, prosecutors charged Rodriguez with intentionally flooding her apartment, the station reported. About a month later, she was found with a fixed blade while in jail, leading to a felony charge, according to the outlet.
Rodriguez is scheduled to appear for arraignment at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Fairfield Court.
Bowen's public memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Vacaville police announced it will be shared on a public livestream.
