Man Who Ran Over MD Cop Receives Maximum Sentence: Report

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The man who intentionally hit a Montgomery County police officer with his car during an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 270 has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison, according to a WTOP report.

Raphael Mayorga received the maximum sentence of 22 years and 60 days in prison after he was convicted of assault and other charges for hitting Sgt. Patrick Kepp with his car on Interstate 270 on Oct. 18, 2023. Kepp had both legs amputated following the collision.

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

“This was a tragic case that never should’ve happened,” Judge Harry Stone said at the sentencing hearing. “You cared not a bit about the dangers you pose to police in the public.”

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.

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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, authorities 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, Montgomery County Police Chief Marc 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.