On September 10, 2016, several motorists began calling 9-1-1, reporting a shirtless male walking northbound on Hwy 287 with a handgun. The callers described the subject as appearing to be tense, angry, and walking with a purpose. Some saw the handgun tucked into the subject's waistband. Others saw him take the weapon out and wave it around while yelling at passing cars. Still others reported that he appeared to be "high" or "crazy," and was yelling at no one in particular. Deputy Teri Javes was already in the area on an unrelated call, and was dispatched to investigate the situation.
Before Deputy Javes located the subject, she was waved down by another motorist who told her about the pedestrian with a gun. That motorist was a former Deputy Sheriff from another jurisdiction, who had seen the subject acting strangely as he drove past, and then saw him take the pistol from his waistband. Deputy Javes informed him that she was aware of it and was on her way to investigate. Although the motorist was unarmed, he followed Deputy Javes to the subject's location because he believed the situation to be dangerous and wanted to help if he could.
Deputy Javes located the subject and pulled over a short distance away. The former deputy pulled in behind her. Deputy Javes saw that the subject had the weapon in his hand, and so she drew her sidearm. As soon as she opened the door and got out of her vehicle, she saw the subject raise his weapon and fire, blowing out her driver's side window. Deputy Javes returned fire, at which point the subject took cover behind a nearby stone pillar that housed the mailbox for a nearby residence.
Deputy Javes took cover behind her vehicle, temporarily losing sight of the subject. When she peered around the passenger side to see where he went, the subject fired at her again. Deputy Javes carefully went back around the driver's side of her vehicle, retrieved a rifle with a scope out of the passenger compartment, and returned to a position behind her vehicle. She shouted orders at the subject, ordering him to drop his weapon and stand up with his hands up; however, he did not comply. When Deputy Javes saw the subject's heel stick out from behind the pillar, she fired once and missed. Mr. Shaffer still did not comply with her orders. When a part of Mr. Shaffer's side became visible, she fired twice, and saw the subject fall backward to the ground. She then moved to his position and secured him until medical assistance arrived. The subject initially survived his injuries, but passed away two days later.
The actions of Deputy Javes demonstrated extraordinary bravery, decisiveness, and a willingness to protect the lives of others, without regard to her own personal safety.
Media
On August 6, 2018, Senator Cory Gardner presented the Congressional Badge of Bravery to Deputy Teri Javes.