MoCo Police Officer In 'Good Spirit' After Leg Amputations: Reports

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Montgomery County cop who authorities said was intentionally struck by a driver on Interstate 270 last month had both legs amputated, but hasn't lost his desire to be a police officer, according to reports.

Sgt. Patrick Kepp and other officers were attempting to stop 19-year-old Raphael Mayorga on I-270 on Oct. 18 when Mayorga intentionally moved his Dodge Challenger from the middle lane to the far left lane to strike Kepp, police said.

Despite the life-altering injury, Kepp remains in "phenomenal spirit," according to a WTOP report citing Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones.

• RELATED: MoCo Police Officer' Intentionally' Hit By Driver On I-270: Chief

"I've had a chance to visit the sergeant on multiple occasions," Jones said during a Wednesday news conference. "Extraordinarily good spirits for someone who's gone through such a traumatic injury."

Jones continued, "He knows he has a very long journey in recovery and rehabilitation, but he wants to come back and still be a police officer."

Mayorga, of Frederick, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other counts in connection to the incident, Jones said last month.

According to police, Mayorga was speeding on the interstate — at times reaching speeds of 110 mph — while getting on and off the road, a tactic Jones said Mayorga has used to provoke police officers into chasing him on major county roadways.

Kepp was struck after he got out of his patrol car to deploy stop sticks used to deflate the tires of Mayorga's vehicle.

According to police, Mayorga continued northbound before a second officer successfully deployed stop sticks and brought the car to a stop.

Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno praised Kepp for his contributions to the police department. He added that if anyone could come back from such a traumatic injury, it was him, according to a MoCo360 report.

"He's been a remarkable performer for the county with the police department," Madaleno said. "We're going to be thrilled to welcome him back to the Montgomery County Police Department organization when he's ready."