Sgt. Patrick Kepp is recovering in “phenomenal spirit” after, according to police, he was intentionally struck by a driver on the highway in October and lost use of both legs.
Kepp has had both legs amputated, Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said Wednesday.
“I think it is a long road ahead for Pat, he’s prepared for that road, and we’re prepared to help him in his recovery,” Jones said during a county briefing.
Kepp wants to come back and still be a police officer, Jones said, calling him a “tremendous asset” to the police department.
Officials have visited Kepp, including Gov. Wes Moore, County Executive Marc Elrich and Jones, said County Chief Administrative Officer Richard Madaleno.
The driver charged in the case — Frederick Raphael Mayorga — is being held without bond. Jones previously said he “intentionally struck Sergeant Kepp in the main lanes of I-270.” Mayorga is known to provoke officers into chasing him, particularly on major roadways, according to Jones. He is known to the police department from several past incidents.
Kepp was struck while outside of his patrol car trying to use stop sticks to stop Mayorga, who was suspected of being under the influence, according to police.
Jones suggested Maryland needs to take a harder look at Mayorga’s “above and beyond” recklessness. Jones said he will go before the legislature and have discussions to figure out better ways to hold people accountable.
Elrich previously said this should not be treated as a regular traffic incident and “we should talk to our legislators about a way of criminalizing this in a different way.”
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