Man who ran over Montgomery County officer sentenced to 22 years in prison

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – A man who ran over a Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) officer in October 2023 while going more than 160 miles per hour was sentenced in Montgomery County Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Raphael Mayorga was found guilty of 13 charges, including second-degree assault, in April for the collision involving MCPD Sgt. Patrick Kepp that took place along Interstate-270. Kepp lost both of his legs as a result of the crash.

With dozens of MCPD officers in the courtroom on Wednesday morning, including Kepp, Mayorga was sentenced to 22 years and 60 days in prison.

Kepp shared his reaction to the sentence in a press conference following the hearing.

“Today gives those of us that are here standing beside and next to me, those that aren’t here, my family, my friends, some sense of closure. I think we’re all just happy that we’ve reached a conclusion today that is as best as it could have been for what was left on the table and I’m very thankful for everyone’s support,” Kepp said.

MCPD Chief Marc Yamada called Kepp the department’s hero during his testimony Wednesday inside the courtroom. He said he was satisfied with the sentence given.

“It cannot undo the pain that was caused that morning,” Yamada said. “But it does bring a measure of closure, and most importantly, accountability to the defendant’s actions. We are extremely pleased that Judge Storm reminded the defendant that actions do have consequences.”

“His conduct, where he was getting engaged in these speed contest, was endangering not only himself, but the lives of other people,” Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said.

McCarthy said the length of the sentence was appropriate since Mayorga was warned several times about his reckless behavior behind the wheel.

“The speed was estimated at 162 MPH when Kepp was struck,” McCarthy said.

Kepp said he looks forward to focusing solely on work now that the case is finished.

“I’ve thankfully been given the opportunity to be back out there and doing the job that I love for Chief Yamada and the rest of the department,” he said.