Iowa Attorney General’s Office Concludes Des Moines Officers Acted with Legal Justification in Shooting

DES MOINES-In a report issued today, the Iowa Attorney General's Office has concluded that the November 26, 2024, fatal shooting of Charles Alan Leonard III by two Des Moines police officers was legally justified.

The Attorney General's conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation found that on November 26, at 6:05 a.m., the receptionist at Elise Mason Manor, a Des Moines apartment complex, called 911 for help and was heard crying out, "please don't shoot." An apartment resident called 911 soon after to report that Leonard was holding the receptionist at gunpoint. The resident knew Leonard and tried to talk him down, but he refused, stating that he would only talk to the police. Leonard then positioned his wheelchair against a back wall between the elevators so that he could take aim at anyone entering the lobby through the elevators or two doors on the north and west ends of the building. He also had a clear view of the glass pane wall on the northwest corner. Leonard sat with his elbow resting on the wheelchair and gun pointed at the ceiling.

All available officers reported to the scene, with most stationing themselves by the north door. Two officers positioned themselves by the glass pane wall. Once the officers helped the hostages escape, one of the officers by the glass pane wall shined his flashlight on Leonard. Leonard then raised his gun at the officers, who opened fire. Leonard died by multiple gunshot wounds.

It was later learned that Leonard's weapon was an air-soft pistol that was missing the orange tip, making it indistinguishable in the moment from a real handgun. Leonard had reportedly suffered from mental health issues and drug addiction. He had also quit taking his medication and been described as suicidal. At the scene of the incident, he told the receptionist, "I don't care anymore" and indicated he wanted to die from "suicide by cop." Leonard was an immediate threat to the hostages, officers, and every resident in the apartment complex.

The report is issued under the Attorney General's independent authority under Iowa Code section 13.12 to investigate or prosecute conduct of law enforcement that results in death.

A copy of the report is available here.

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For More Information:

Alyssa Brouillet | Communications Director

(515) 823-9112

[email protected]