Frederick man faces neary 30 years in prison for high-speed crash that caused Montgomery County police sergeant to lose legs
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () — A Frederick man was found guilty of hitting a Montgomery County police sergeant during a high-speed chase in 2023, seriously injuring the officer and causing him to lose both of his legs.
Raphael Mayorga, 21, faces up to 28 years in prison for the Gaithersburg collision that happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 18, 2023.
Mayorga – who was 19 years old at the time – was speeding in the northbound lanes of I-270, with his Dodge Challenger reaching speeds of over 160 miles per hour.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Officer loses legs after driver 'intentionally' hit him on I-270 in Montgomery County, police say
As Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) officers tried stopping the Dodge with stop sticks, Mayorga veered to the left and struck Sgt. Patrick Kepp. Even though he hit someone, he did not brake and continued further north on the interstate.
MCPD was eventually able to disable his car with another set of stop sticks.
Mayorga tried fleeing on foot but was apprehended by responding officers.
The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office noted he had multiple previous interactions with Kepp, and the two reportedly knew each other. Witnesses told officials that they saw the Dodge drive directly into Kepp's path, despite having the opportunity to veer to the right and avoid striking him.
After the crash, Kepp was hospitalized with serious, life-threatening injuries. His injuries were so severe that both of his legs were amputated.
He returned to the streets in November 2024.
RELATED COVERAGE: Montgomery County officer who lost legs plans return to impaired driver enforcement
'Montgomery County Police Sgt. Pat Kepp is a hero. He is a role model to many in our community and across our country. He has bravely overcome his traumatic injuries to return to the police work he so clearly loves. We are fortunate that Sgt. Kepp is alive today and already back on duty,' Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich stated.
About a year and a half after the collision, a jury found Mayorga guilty of second-degree assault, failure to return and remain at the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury and other related charges.
He was acquitted, however, of attempted first- and second-degree murder, as well as first-degree assault, drawing criticism from Elrich, who said he was 'so deeply disappointed.'
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Driver accused of 'intentionally' hitting officer on I-270 in Montgomery County held without bond
I know this isn't the outcome we were hoping for, and we felt this crime deserved a stiffer penalty. We appreciate the work of State Senator Nancy King and State Delegate Gregory Wims on the legislation recently passed in the General Assembly to deter this type of unacceptable recklessness.
You should not be able to drive at outrageous speeds and go free because we can't chase you. Senseless incidents like this should not occur in our County or anywhere. This jury missed an opportunity to deliver a serious message to those who use our roads like a racetrack.
To Sgt. Kepp, we thank you for your courage, bravery and continued service to our community. Your tireless advocacy on behalf of the State legislation was instrumental in its passage.
Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive
His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 27, where he faces up to 28 years, plus 120 days in prison.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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