Friday marks one year since Montgomery County Police Sgt. Patrick Kepp was struck intentionally while out of his patrol car and using stop sticks to curb reckless and drunk driving on I 270.
Kepp, whose legs were amputated as a result, has returned partly to work and is helping train his fellow officers in the work he was doing Oct. 18. He also is working with county officials to convince members of the Maryland Assembly to rework laws to ensure that incidents like his are less likely to happen.
Raphael Mayorga, 20, is being held without bond and is slated for trial later this month on numerous charges including attempted murder. According to police reports, Mayorga was known to provoke officers into chasing him and has had several incidents with the police department.
According to Dr. Earl Stoddard, assistant county chief administrative officer, Kepp “is doing well. He’s back doing work. He’s definitely back and trying to help Montgomery County move forward.”
Kepp and Stoddard plan to urge state legislators next week to include reckless endangerment while operating a motor vehicle as a charge that can be levied. Currently, reckless endangerment while driving is not part of the criminal code.
Also, the two men want the state’s traffic code amended such that those cited for certain traffic violations would have to go in front of a judge. Currently, offenders usually pay a fine and have points added to their record and then continue their dangerous driving, Stoddard said.
If judges reviewed the records of some of the more egregious drivers, they might enforce methods to curb dangerous drivers like Mayorga, Stoddard said, adding, “This guy was well known for his behavior.”
Montgomery County police officers do not conduct car chases.
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