Man Found Guilty on 13 of 18 Charges in High-Speed Crash That Left Officer With Both Legs Lost

Updated to include links to statements by County Executive Marc Elrich and MCPD Chief Marc Elrich

A Montgomery County jury found Raphael Mayorga, 21, of Frederick, guilty of second-degree assault, failure to remain at the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury, failure to stop at the scene, and multiple counts of fleeing from police. The collision resulted in a police sergeant Pat Kepp losing both of his legs. Mayorga faces up to 28 years plus 120 days in prison, with a sentencing hearing set for August 27, 2025.

Mayorga was found not guilty on charges of attempted first and second degree murder, and first-degree assault. According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “This stems from a collision that occurred in the early morning hours of October 18, 2023, in the northbound lanes of I-270. Mayorga was driving a Dodge Challenger at speeds in excess of 160 miles per hour. As Montgomery County Police officers attempted to stop the vehicle with stop sticks, the defendant veered to the left and struck a police sergeant. Mayorga had multiple previous interactions with the sergeant. The defendant and victim were known to each other. Mayorga did not brake following the collision. Officers deployed another set of stop sticks further north on I-270 which finally disabled his vehicle. Mayorga then exited the car and attempted to flee the scene on foot before being apprehended by responding officers. He was indicted on charges including attempted first-degree murder.

“We stand by the charges filed in this case and we are disappointed with the verdict. The sergeant who received catastrophic injuries in this incident is a hero. Our hearts are with him and the officers who put their lives at risk every day to protect and serve the people of Montgomery County,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.”

County Executive Marc Elrich issued a statement, expressing disappointment with the jury’s verdict. The statement can be seen in full here. MCPD Chief Marc Yamada also released a statement expressing disappointment in the verdict.