Jury Delivers Verdict For Man Who Ran Over MD Cop

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The man accused of intentionally hitting a Montgomery County police officer with his car during an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 270 was found not guilty of attempted murder, according to a report.

A jury on Friday found 21-year-old Raphael Mayorga guilty of second-degree assault, failure to return to and remain at the scene of a crash and multiple counts of fleeing and eluding police, WTOP reported.

However, the jury acquitted Mayorga of more serious charges, including attempted murder and first-degree assault.

Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada called the verdict "profoundly disappointing."

"This outcome is devastating — not only for Sgt. Kepp but for every member of our department who has stood beside him throughout his recovery and pursuit of justice," Yamada said. "Unfortunately, we have limited influence over how the judicial process unfolds. However, as law enforcement officers, we must accept and respect the decisions rendered."

The jury heard closing arguments Thursday in the trial of Mayorga, who was accused of hitting Sgt. Patrick Kepp with his car on I-270 on Oct. 18, 2023. Kepp had both legs amputated following the collision.

According to police, Mayorga was speeding on the interstate — at times reaching speeds of 110 mph — while getting on and off the road, a tactic authorities said Mayorga has used in the past to provoke police officers into chasing him on major county roadways.

Kepp and other officers were attempting to stop Mayorga on northbound I-270 shortly before 3:50 a.m. when he got out of his patrol car to deploy stop sticks used to deflate the tires of Mayorga's vehicle.

As he was placing the sticks, Jones said Mayorga intentionally moved his Dodge Challenger from the middle lane to the far left lane to strike Kepp.

According to police, Mayorga continued northbound before a second officer successfully deployed stop sticks and brought the car to a stop.

A second person in the car was also taken into custody but not charged.

Following multiple surgeries at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, Kepp returned to work in June 2024 to train recruits in DUI enforcement.

Through it all, Yamada said Kepp has "exemplified strength, courage, and determination."

From the moment he was struck, through his recovery at Walter Reed, and now during his inspiring return to duty, Pat has never lost hope — and neither have we," Yamada said.