GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A Montgomery County Police officer lost the use of both of his legs after a driver intentionally struck him on I-270.
It happened around 3:48 in the morning near Watkins Mill in Gaithersburg.
Officers had been monitoring a green Dodge Challenger that was driving recklessly. Officers were familiar with the driver, 19-year-old Frederick Raphael Mayorga.
Chief of Police Marcus Jones said Mayorga was known to "provoke officers into chasing him, particularly on our major roadways here in the county."
Because of this, police chose not to pursue Mayorga but to monitor him instead.
That decision changed after Mayorga almost ran another driver off the road.
Sergeant Patrick Kepp attempted to lay out stop sticks to deflate the Mayorga's tires.
Instead, Mayorga intentionally ran Kepp over and kept going.
Another officer up the road was able to put out stop sticks, which eventually caused the chase to end.
Mayorga was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.
Another person was in the car with Mayorga, but they were not charged.
Kepp was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. He has lost the use of both of his legs due to the accident.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Kepp and his family at this time," said Chief Jones. "He is not alone, and he is surrounded by his family, his friends, and his coworkers."
