Maryland
Maryland lawmakers consider bills targeting speeding, reckless drivers
Maryland considers bills to limit speeding & reckless drivers
A Montgomery County police sergeant who lost both legs while trying to stop a speeding driver three years ago is now back on the job and pushing lawmakers to act. He’s urging Maryland to adopt new technology the MVA could require in certain vehicles to help stop aggressive drivers and prevent similar crashes.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland lawmakers are considering new bills to crack down on speeding and reckless driving, and a Montgomery County police sergeant who lost both lower legs in a high‑speed crash will be in Annapolis on Thursday to support the effort.
What we know:
FOX 5’s Stephanie Ramirez says that Sgt. Patrick Kepp was severely injured in 2023 while trying to stop a 19‑year‑old unlicensed driver who reached speeds of up to 160 mph on I‑270 near Gaithersburg. Since then, Kepp has pushed for tougher measures targeting dangerous drivers and street racers.
READ MORE: A police sergeant who lost his legs in a high-speed hit-and-run on I-270 is determined to return to work
He and other supporters testified last year for a pilot program, but the House and Senate bills stalled.
Maryland lawmakers consider bills targeting speeding, reckless drivers
The legislation would create an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) System Pilot Program. Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses tied to speeding or reckless driving would be required to install ISA technology in their vehicles. The systems, which can also use GPS or cameras, identify the posted speed limit and prevent the car from going above it.
D.C. and Virginia already have ISA laws. Virginia’s version, taking effect in July 2026, applies to drivers convicted of exceeding 100 mph.
READ MORE: Trial begins for Maryland driver accused of intentionally hitting police officer
The Source: Information in this article comes from previous FOX 5 reporting.
A University of Maryland (UMD) football player was arrested for harassment, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
Dontay Joyner, a defensive back and rising senior at UMD, was charged with telephone misuse for making repeated calls, electronic communications harassment, and violating release conditions, a misdemeanor offense, according to court records.
Joyner’s attorney is calling the ordeal “outrageous,” saying “[Joyner] has been locked in a cage in Harford County for seven nights after being charged with a misdemeanor for telephone misuse for texting his longtime girlfriend during an argument. This is simply outrageous.”
Joyner’s attorney, Former Attorney General Douglas Gansler, said the 21-year-old has never been in trouble with the law and does not own a handgun. According to Gansler, Joyner’s girlfriend is “fully supportive of him and does not want to press charges.”
According to the UMD Terps website, Joyner is a Lakeland, Florida, native who previously attended Arkansas State. In the spring, Joyner was given the Nick Cross Defensive Back Award in a tradition that honors “past terrapin greats.”
According to court records, Joyner was held without bond.
WJZ has reached out to UMD officials for comment.
In Maryland, residents can find parades, concerts, history programs, fireworks, volunteer opportunities and family-friendly celebrations leading up to Independence Day.
America250, the national semiquincentennial initiative, is encouraging communities to take part through local commemorations, block parties, service projects and July 4 events. State and local commissions, historical societies, museums, libraries, parks departments and civic groups are also hosting events tied to the milestone.
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