Gila Herald Staff Reports
SAFFORD — The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST) Board has initiated proceedings against a former Graham County Sheriff’s deputy after internal audits and public reporting revealed hundreds of excessive speeding incidents, including speeds exceeding 120 mph in his county patrol vehicle.
Compliance Specialist Brandon Keomaka presented the case against former deputy Teryn Michael David Shaw at the Sept. 16 AZPOST Board meeting. The presentation detailed a pattern of high-speed driving that ultimately led to criminal charges, an internal affairs investigation, an on-duty crash, and Shaw’s resignation in March.
Published Letter Sparked Investigation
Scrutiny of Shaw’s driving behavior mounted after a reader’s Letter to the Editor, “Who polices the police?” was published in the Gila Herald in January.
In the letter, a local citizen detailed observing a marked Graham County Sheriff’s Chevrolet Tahoe traveling at “excessive criminal speeds” on Dec. 9, 2025, along U.S. Highway 60 near Florence Junction and U.S. Highway 70 near Bylas. The citizen included a photograph of the vehicle, which prominently displayed the vehicle number 1091 and K-9 markings.
According to AZPOST records, when confronted by Sgt. Aaron Smith the day the report was published, Shaw admitted, “I was probably driving really (expletive deleted) fast,” shrugging off the allegations before Sgt. Smith reminded him he “could stop speeding.”
After the letter was published, Graham County Undersheriff Jeff McCormies ordered a formal review of the vehicle’s Michelin Connected Fleet GPS tracking system.
Audit Reveals 977 Speeding Incidents
The initial check confirmed Shaw reached speeds up to 115 mph while returning from canine handler training in Phoenix on Dec. 9. Further tracking logged speeds of 96 mph in a curve at Florence Junction, 103 mph east of Bylas, 98 mph in a 45-mph zone in Fort Thomas, 66 mph in a 35-mph zone in Pima, and 73 mph in a 45-mph zone on Norton Road in Central.
To determine whether the incident was isolated, investigators expanded their audit of Shaw’s driving history over a 76-day period in late 2025. The full GPS audit uncovered 977 separate incidents where Shaw drove 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
A breakdown of the audit revealed:
- 421 events at or exceeding 90 mph
- 109 events at or exceeding 100 mph
- 23 events at or exceeding 110 mph
- 2 events at or exceeding 120 mph, with a peak logged speed of 124 mph
AZPOST records indicate Shaw’s supervisors were previously aware of speed concerns. His September 2024 performance evaluation cited a “needs improvement” rating in equipment usage and noted he had been counseled regarding safety practices and reasonable judgment while responding to calls.
On-Duty Crash and Resignation
Shaw was served with an initial internal affairs complaint on Jan. 7 but remained on active duty. On Feb. 12, while responding to a non-emergency call, Shaw was involved in an on-duty collision.
GPS data showed he was traveling 60 mph in a 35-mph zone at the time of the crash. A Thatcher police officer cited Shaw for civil speed greater than reasonable and prudent. Shaw subsequently completed a defensive driving course to satisfy the citation.
After the crash, Shaw was placed on paid administrative leave, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office conducted an independent investigation. Shaw resigned on March 24, terminating the internal investigation.
Criminal Charges and AZPOST Action
Before his resignation, Shaw was charged in Graham County Justice Court with a three-count criminal complaint, including reckless driving and excessive speed. On May 27, he entered a plea agreement that resolved the case as a single civil traffic violation for speed greater than reasonable and prudent, and he paid a fine.
Following his resignation, the sheriff’s office reported the misconduct allegations to state regulators as required by law. The Sept. 16 vote by the AZPOST Board initiated formal proceedings regarding Shaw’s peace officer certification, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation.
