The story was updated at 4:20 p.m. on Oct. 18 to add information from a press conference.
A driver intentionally struck Montgomery County Police Sgt. Patrick Kepp, 36, while he was attempting a traffic stop on Interstate 270, police alleged Wednesday at a press conference.
Kepp is in critical condition and has lost the use of his legs, Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said at the press conference.
Around 3:48 a.m. Wednesday, Montgomery County Police said they were trying to pull over a driver they suspected of being under the influence and who was trying to goad them into a chase.
Police said they identified the driver as Frederick Raphael Mayorga, 19, of Frederick. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, Jones said at the press conference.
Drug test results are currently pending, Jones stated.
Mayorga was in a green Dodge Charger, and starting at the Clarksburg Outlets, he allegedly entered and exited I-270 North and South repeatedly, driving at least 110 mph and almost running someone off the road, Jones said.
Kepp exited his patrol car to deploy stop sticks, which are used to deflate tires. While he was placing the stop sticks, Mayorga drove the Charger into him, according to police. The collision occurred between Watkins Mill Road and north of Middlebrook Road near exit 13, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Pete Piringer.
“The vehicle is observed intentionally moving from the middle lanes to the far-left lanes and coming directly at Sgt. Kepp as he was deploying the stop sticks,” Jones said.
After striking Kepp, Mayorga allegedly continued northbound on I-270 until another officer successfully deployed stop sticks, forcing the vehicle to stop, according to police. Police said they arrested Mayorga and a passenger in the vehicle.
Jones confirmed during the press conference that the passenger’s identity will not be released, and they will not be charged.
Kepp was transported to an area hospital via a Medevac helicopter, Piringer said.
Officers performed life-saving measures until Fire Rescue personnel arrived, according to Jones.
“We have been told that without those efforts by members of the emergency medical teams that Sgt. Kepp would not have survived his injuries,” Jones said.
Officers, including Kepp, are very familiar with Mayorga, according to Jones. He has committed multiple traffic violations in the past and has previously provoked officers, goading them into chasing him, Jones said.
Kepp arrested Mayorga on May 26 for several traffic citations, including driving 136 miles per hour on I-270 and reckless driving, according to Jones.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said at the press conference that there should be legislation passed differentiating a simple traffic violation and someone trying to provoke a high-speed chase from police.
“This should not be treated as a regular type of traffic incident. We should talk to our legislators about a way of criminalizing this in a different way,” Elrich said. “This is a deliberate action, not just a traffic violation. This is more serious than that.”
Mayorga is being held without bond, and his bond hearing will take place Thursday.
“I sure hope he doesn’t get out on bond tomorrow because he doesn’t have a license, and he’s still got access to cars,” Elrich said at the press conference. “He is an example of somebody who should not be put back on the street. Period.”
Jones said that any body camera or dashboard camera footage from the incident will be given to the MoCo State’s Attorney to aid in their investigation.
Mayorga’s attorney information is not available in digital court records.
Montgomery County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard shared his reaction to the incident on social media.
Jones shared similar sentiments at the press conference.
“This incident has undoubtedly taken a toll on our department,” Jones said. “In these trying times, let us stand united as a community and support one another.”
