Police officials said that when Shaw finally did stop, he jumped out of his car and refused to follow officer commands, causing the officer to draw his weapon. In his apology, Shaw writes, "While I do not think I was obstructing law enforcement by my actions, I do not believe the officer overreacted, given what I now know to be proper behavior when approached by law enforcement." He goes on to say he's sorry, and says, "I take full responsibility for the escalation in the officer's response, and the resulting actions taken by him and the RCPD." Shaw concludes by saying he supports and respects the police department, and will try to make amends with his many friends on the RCPD.

The former mayor initially faced a third charge of obstructing police, but that charge was dropped as part of his plea agreement with the state.

-Jack Caudill