At approximately 10:31am on Thursday, July 11, 2024, Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen was conducting a traffic stop near the intersection of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. Officer Bowen began receiving medical aid on scene and was transported to a local hospital where, despite all lifesaving efforts, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Officer Bowen attempted to flee the scene on foot, however, she was detained by bystanders who witnessed the crash. CHP investigators contacted the driver, 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez of Auburn, and determined she was driving her vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Rodriguez was taken into custody and subsequently booked into Solano County Jail on charges of homicide and driving under the influence causing injury and/or death.

Officer Bowen had been with the Vacaville Police Department since June 13, 2023, after serving with the Concord Police Department.

“He has served with the highest dedication and honor, and his loss is deeply felt by the Department, the City, and the community,” the Police Department said in a statement.

Officer Matthew Bowen is survived by his wife, two sons, his parents, and brother.

Additional details and funeral information will be provided as available.

 

Sergeant Anthony White was a “fighter, and he wasn’t one to quit.” Those were the words of his wife, Tawnya, in a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Training Division video after he lost his life as a result of COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty. Because of Anthony’s strength and determination, Tawnya, their two school-aged children, and the rest of their family were “hopeful he would get through this.” Anthony battled his illness for more than 100 days in a few different hospitals. Tawnya says her husband “fought every day and he wanted to come home.” Unfortunately, his lungs were badly damaged, and he got rapidly worse. After he had a tracheostomy (an incision in the windpipe made to relieve obstructed breathing), he could no longer speak. His family would never hear his voice again.

In reporter Sheri Fink’s New York Times article entitled, The Rationing of a Last-Resort Covid Treatment, dated July 12, 2021, Tawnya shares that Anthony wrote on a white board that he was hoping to “get well for retirement.” In the end, his wife says, “COVID was attacking his entire body and he never recovered… His body started to shut down and it was very, very traumatic.” Sadly, at the age of 54, Sergeant Anthony White passed away. In honor of Sergeant White, Capitol flags in Sacramento were flown at half-staff. The Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), the union that represents LAPD officers, paid tribute to Anthony in a Twitter post saying, “He protected our city for over 30 years. Our prayers are with Sgt. White’s family, friends and co-workers during their time of sadness.”

Sergeant White started working for the LAPD in 1990 and served the department for 31 years. His most recent assignment was at the Transit Services Division. Prior to that, he worked at the Hollenbeck, Southwest, Internal Affairs and Transit Services divisions. Sergeant White, his wife, and their two children lived in the Inland Empire city of Eastvale, about 50 miles from Los Angeles.

In Fink’s New York Times article, she details recollections Anthony’s two kids shared about their dad. Sergeant White’s son, 11 at the time, recalled his father teaching him how to play chess. Anthony’s 15-year-old daughter emotionally spoke about going out for fast food with her dad after soccer practice. They also reminisced about how their parents would sing as they cooked together, right near a sign that read, “This kitchen is for dancing.”

Due to the restrictions back then on visiting COVID patients in the hospital, Tawnya was initially not allowed to visit her husband. She would “go to bed thinking about him” and “wake up thinking about him.” Fortunately, the no-visitor policy was eventually lifted, and Anthony was able to take his wife’s hand in his. He mouthed, “How do I get stronger?”

Sergeant White’s milestones were followed by setbacks, and he ultimately succumbed to his illness on April 15, 2021. He left behind his loving wife, two children, parents, and two sisters. Sergeant Anthony White will be remembered as “a beautiful person with a beautiful heart” who left us too soon. May we all find inspiration in the courage he exemplified in the toughest of times.

Officer Philip Taclas Sudario was a true family man. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his wife, three kids, three siblings, and extended family. Whether it was a birthday, an anniversary or even the smallest of occasions, Philip made it feel special. Married to his wife, Jonalyn, for 31 years, he never forgot the importance of date nights. He was very involved in his children’s lives. Son Jacob cherishes all the time he got to spend with his dad when they would carpool together. Philip would drop him off at school on his way to work. Philip loved hosting theme parties, dancing, and DJing. His son, Joshua, says he inherited his passion for music from his father. One of Joshua’s favorite memories is when he and his dad went to see a rock band from the Philippines perform live in concert when the band came to California. Philip was also a barbecue master, known for his delicious steak and smoked baby back ribs. His daughter, Phylicia, looked forward to any time she could cook or bake with her dad. As a kid, Philip played baseball, basketball, and football, and continued to be an avid sports fan as he aged. A Los Angeles native, Philip remained committed to his L.A. teams: the Rams, Lakers, and Dodgers. He was also a fan of the New Zealand All Blacks international union rugby team. Philip likely didn’t appreciate any athletic activity more though than coaching his two sons in basketball and football when they were little.

Philip grew up in the Watts area of Los Angeles and graduated from Gardena High School in 1986. That same year, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. It must have been meant to be because that’s where he met his future wife. Philip and Jonalyn married at the end of 1989. He was assigned to Combat Arms Training and Maintenance (CATM). In 1995, Philip received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department. In 1997, after completing his probationary period, he was assigned to the Southeast Division in South L.A. where he grew up. Officer Sudario worked various assignments, including patrol and community relations. He even received a medal for expert shooting. Philip passed away on January 25, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. He served the Los Angeles Police Department and his native L.A. for 25 years. Officer Sudario was a Police Officer II when he died.

Philip’s brother, Paul Jr., says his “favorite memories with Phil would be our daily phone calls and how we would always crack jokes together, either on the phone or in person at family gatherings. Phil would always brighten up a room with his jokes.” Let us remember Officer Philip Taclas Sudario as that bright light bringing joy to those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace and love.

Sergeant Patricia Guillen has left a huge impression on those who knew her. She will always be remembered for having a deep respect and loyalty to her family. Sergeant Guillen served the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for nearly 23 years and was most recently assigned to the 77^th Division.

Patricia possessed many outstanding characteristics. On the job, she was reliable and focused. She was known to mentor both young and tenured detectives, and never hesitated to share her past experiences to benefit others. Those who worked for or with Sergeant Guillen became better employees because of the wisdom she imparted. Her keen instinct for detail and by-the-book mentality made her an invaluable member of the department. Off the job, Patricia kept busy following her passion for culture, adventure, and travel. She loved hiking, camping, and spending time at the beach, so it’s no wonder Hawaii was one of her favorite spots.

Sergeant Guillen’s family lovingly called her “Patsy.” Patsy was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to California at the age of two with her parents, Alonso and Maria, older sister Veronica, younger brother Federico, and little sister Dolores. Growing up in Los Angeles, she enjoyed bike riding, skateboarding, and mostly playing basketball. While at Garfield High School, Patricia was proud to be a member of the Lettergirls, a service organization comprised of female, lettered athletes who maintained their grade point averages while participating in sports and helped teachers, administrators, and other students with athletic events and campus activities. She was also pleased to be a member of the Ephebian Society, a longstanding civic betterment and service organization in L.A.

Patricia loved her family deeply and did whatever she could to be there for them. The moment Patricia learned her brother was ready to get married, she went online and became certified so that she could officiate the wedding. That’s just the type of person and sister she was.

At the age of 59, Sergeant Guillen passed away after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Due to the nature of Patricia’s job and one that was deemed essential during the global pandemic, she and thousands of other law enforcement officers and first responders were required to work and interact with the community, even though the majority of the country was quarantining.

A longtime co-worker said, “Our hearts are broken, and our police community continues to mourn Sergeant Guillen. It is with my deepest respect that we honor her service and duty as an officer. Thank you, Sergeant Guillen, you will be remembered.”

The family of Sergeant Patricia Guillen hopes their beloved daughter and sister is now relaxing to the sounds of ocean waves and Hawaiian music. Please join us in keeping the Guillens close to your heart and honoring Patricia for putting the lives of others ahead of her own life. She made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget it.

On October 10, 2023, Deputy Alfredo “Freddy” Flores of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was training with a fellow deputy inside the mobile shooting range at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic when an equipment malfunction ignited a fire at approximately 9:30am. Both Deputies suffered severe burns before being rescued by fellow deputies and transported to a local hospital.

After a valiant months-long fight, Deputy Flores succumbed to his injuries on April 20, 2024.

Deputy Freddy Flores, age 51, worked for the department for 22 years “with dedication and pride,” the department said in a statement. “Deputy Flores worked many assignments throughout his tenure in the Department and touched many lives through his work at North County Correctional Facility, Altadena Station, and Court Services West Bureau. He was well-respected in the Department and in the community and his passing will leave a huge void in the hearts of many who knew him.”

He is survived by his wife, children, parents, and siblings.

Long before Officer Tuan Le became a peace officer, he exhibited a kind and generous spirit. Born in Vietnam, Le moved to Oakland when he was a child. At Tuan’s memorial service, his cousin, Jennifer Ky, emotionally told a story about Tuan that has stuck with her all these years. She reminisced about a time when Tuan’s aunt gave him an apple shortly before he left Vietnam to relocate to the United States. Instead of eating the apple himself, Tuan saved it and asked if they could cut it up so he could share it with his cousins before he parted ways with them. “This was the kind of person Tuan was at seven years old and 36 years old,” his cousin said. “From childhood to now, we will always remember Tuan for his willingness to share his time, making the effort and bringing us together.” 

Tuan demonstrated a desire to serve and protect at a young age too. His grandfather had been a police officer in Vietnam and Tuan vowed to become an officer just like him. In 2019, Tuan’s dream came true. He applied to the Oakland Police Department and entered the 183rd Oakland Police Recruit Academy. He graduated from the academy in 2020. Although Tuan’s grandfather had already passed away, Tuan knew he had made him proud.

In 2006, Tuan graduated from Oakland High School. That’s where he met Sarah, the young lady who would become his high school sweetheart, his wife, the love of his life. Tuan is remembered as a devoted husband as well as a caring, affectionate, and protective family member.

In the early morning hours of December 29, 2023, Officer Le and his partner were working undercover and responded to a marijuana growing facility in Oakland that had been burglarized multiple times that morning. Tuan was struck by gunfire while he was driving an unmarked truck and crashed into two parked cars. He was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Officer Le had served four years with the Oakland Police Department. He was 36 years old when he was killed.

For the last couple years of Tuan’s life, he served as a Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland. He worked hard to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and Oakland’s residents. He was well-liked and trusted in the neighborhood. Tuan was also an important member of Oakland’s Asian-American community, acting as a bridge between the Vietnamese residents and Oakland P.D. His tireless efforts made a lasting impact. Many called Tuan a true representative of Oakland.

When Officer Le wasn’t working, he enjoyed being outside hiking or mountain biking, often wearing Crocs footwear, and he loved his two dogs.

Officer Tuan Le will be remembered for his kind heart, generous soul, warm smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making the city of Oakland a safer place and the world a better place.

Growing up, Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was the type of kid other parents wished they could call their own. He was selfless, he always wore an infectious smile, and he wanted to serve his community. He enjoyed being a big brother to his sister, Katie, and brother, Chad. As a student at West Ranch High School in the Santa Clarita Valley, Ryan was a member of both the school’s track and field team, and cross-country team. He graduated in 2010 and left a mark on his alma mater, literally. Ryan’s handprint is proudly displayed on the school’s production studio wall right next to his nickname, “Clink.” His name also appears on a special Wall of Honor for students who went on to serve as members of the military or law enforcement. A high school friend, who is now a Los Angeles television journalist, called Ryan “a good man and a true hero” in her news report.

After high school, Ryan continued his education at California State University, Northridge. After graduating in 2014, he told his dad, Michael, he wanted to follow in his footsteps and join the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (L.A.S.D.). Ryan came from a long line of, not only law enforcement members, but relatives who specifically served L.A.S.D. His father served for 32 years, retiring as a lieutenant. Ryan’s mother, Kimberly, worked there for 14 years as a matron lab technician. His grandfather and great-grandfather also served the department.

Deputy Clinkunbroomer was known as a “deputy’s deputy.” He was smart and dependable. He had a strong work ethic. Ryan took on the role of field training officer, which is no easy task. He was assigned to teach others how to do the job the right way. Ryan was a role model. He loved his work and his co-workers. His colleagues said he had aimed to become a detective one day, and he was “a joy to work with.”

Ryan was courageous and kind. He had an easy humor, and a passion for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Dolphins. His greatest love, however, was his love of family, his fiancée, Brittany, and the family he was looking forward to starting with her one day. Tragically, just four days after he proposed, and on the anniversary of the day they met, he was murdered in an “ambush-style” shooting. He had just left the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and was sitting at a traffic light when he was attacked. Deputy Clinkunbroomer had been with the department for eight years. He was just 30 years old.

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer is being remembered as “a devoted family member and a cherished community member.” He was loved and adored. He was approachable and likable, and had a calm and cool manner, much like his father. At Ryan’s funeral, his dad spoke to his fallen son, “We’re not saying goodbye, Ryan. But we’re saying thank you. I’m saying thank you, Ryan, for making me a better human being… I’ll see you one day in Heaven. You’re my hero.”

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. grew up in Reedley, California as a proud son to farmworkers who dreamed of becoming a police officer. He took the initiative to pursue his education. Gonzalo served as a police explorer in his hometown, attended the police academy, and went on to serve as a non-paid reserve officer for the Selma Police Department for two years. Gonzalo was lauded for working on his own dime, not receiving a paycheck, while awaiting a paid position on the police force. During that time, he also worked in the fields helping to support his family. That’s the kind of dedication he exhibited – to his loved ones and to the policing profession. Gonzalo fulfilled his longtime dream when he became a sworn officer with Selma P.D. in 2021. Officer Carrasco was well-loved and respected by his department.

After serving with Selma P.D. for just two years, while on patrol one day, he was flagged down by a homeowner claiming there was a suspicious man on her property. When Officer Carrasco began to investigate, the male suspect fired several shots, striking Gonzalo. Investigators say the ambush-style attack didn’t give Gonzalo a moment to defend himself. The suspected gunman was a known gang member and a felon on probation.

Officer Carrasco was transported to a local hospital, where he was taken into surgery. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries. He was only 24 years old and mere days away from becoming a father. Gonzalo was very excited to be a father and was looking forward to starting a family of his own.

The Selma community rallied around Gonzalo’s family and the department after his murder. “Selma lost a member of the family yesterday, the brave police officer who gave his life in the line of duty while working to keep all of us safe,” said Mayor Scott Robertson. “We will never forget the sacrifice of this officer, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones and to our Police Department, City and Community which is shocked from this sudden and violent taking of a good person whose life was cut short far too soon.”

On the one-year anniversary of Officer Carrasco’s death, he was honored with a memorial monument in front of the Selma Police Department. Gonzalo was a devoted and loving expectant father, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his loyalty, laughter, and smile.

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. is survived by his mother, Veronica, father, Gonzalo, Sr., sisters, Alma and Paola, and brother, Christopher. Gonzalo’s legacy lives on through the son he never met, Maximus Gonzalo Carrasco. Thank you, Officer Carrasco, for your desire to serve and everything you stood for.

This marks the first line of duty death for the Selma Police Department, which was formed in 1893.

The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is supporting the Selma Police Officer’s Association by establishing a memorial fund in which all donations will be given to Officer Carrasco’s family. Please send contributions to:

Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association

C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund

1360 Van Ness Avenue

Fresno, CA 93721

 

Deputy Darnell Calhoun was a committed and dedicated peace officer. He was a committed and dedicated family man – a husband, father, son, and brother. His loved ones say he was “an inspiration.” He was “genuine, kind, loyal, and had the heart of a servant.” In short, he was a gift.

Darnell was the father of two children, with one more on the way, at the time of his death. That child will never know first-hand the love and comfort of his dad – his caregiver, his protector. On January 13, 2023, Deputy Calhoun was the first to respond to a report of a child custody dispute likely involving domestic violence. As he approached the Lake Elsinore home, the suspect fired multiple rounds at him. Deputy Calhoun was shot and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. He was just 30 years old and had been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for only 11 months. He had previously served with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) for two years. Deputy Calhoun was assigned to the Lake Elsinore station when he was murdered.

At Deputy Calhoun’s memorial service, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed the crowd. Sheriff Bianco recounted a conversation he had with Darnell, asking why he wanted to leave the SDPD and join the RCSO. “He responded that his commute was too long and he wanted to spend that time with his family,” Bianco said. “With that answer, I knew we had hired a good one.” Bianco went on to say that Darnell was “the most good, wholesome man you could ever imagine.” Darnell’s pregnant wife did not speak at the ceremony, but she posted on Facebook the night before that he always made sure his children “knew how much you loved them” and “I know that the love you have shown them will sustain them through this life.”

The family restaurant, Calhoun’s Family Texas Barbecue in Murrieta, became a gathering place for the community after Darnell’s passing. Darnell worked at the restaurant for eight years before beginning his law enforcement career. His father says Darnell’s personality made him the perfect person to work the front. He loved to laugh with customers. Community members, both friends and strangers, visited Calhoun’s bringing cards, flowers, and banners showing their love and support. On September 28, 2023, a portion of Interstate-15 in Lake Elsinore was designated as Deputy Darnell Andrew Calhoun Memorial Highway.    

Deputy Darnell Calhoun will be remembered as a hero – a man who responded selflessly to a call for help. His family relies on their faith to get through this difficult time and says they know they will one day be reunited with Darnell. They “take great comfort in knowing that Darnell led a life well lived.” His loved ones are grateful to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across the nation that have uplifted them since his passing. Darnell’s family says, “His life, though cut short, is a blessing.”