Charles Leonard Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the suspect who was shot and killed by police officers in Des Moines last week. The suspect, 70-year-old Charles Leonard, was armed with a pellet gun during the incident, which occurred early on the morning of Tuesday, November 25, at the Elsie Apartments, located at 430 Grand Ave. Leonard had reportedly threatened a woman on the building’s first floor with the gun before directing it toward officers who responded to the scene.
Des Moines police confirmed that the pellet gun involved did not have its orange-colored safety cone, which is typically used to indicate that the weapon is not a real firearm. Upon arrival, officers faced a tense situation. Leonard reportedly raised the weapon toward the responding officers, prompting them to take action.
In response to the threat, two officers fired shots at Leonard, ultimately killing him at the scene. The incident was swiftly investigated, and authorities moved to identify the officers involved in the shooting. According to a statement from the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD), the officers were Senior Police Officer Christian Bishop and Senior Police Officer Lanny Herzog. Both officers have been with the DMPD since 2022.
Officer Bishop, a four-year veteran of law enforcement, was one of the officers who fired shots during the encounter. Officer Herzog, similarly, has been with the department for a relatively short period but was also involved in the tragic incident. Both officers are currently on paid administrative leave, in line with department policy following critical incidents involving officers.
As part of the standard procedure for law enforcement agencies, the officers’ leave is a temporary measure while an internal investigation is conducted to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The department’s policy is designed to provide a period of reflection for officers after they are involved in traumatic events like this one. While the investigation into the incident continues, the names of the officers involved have been made public.
The tragic shooting has raised questions about the circumstances that led to Leonard’s death. Authorities have emphasized that while he was armed with a pellet gun, which was not immediately distinguishable from a real firearm due to the absence of its orange safety marker, the officers faced an immediate threat and had to make a split-second decision. However, further details about the incident, including witness statements and additional evidence, will be examined in the ongoing investigation.
The case has highlighted the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in situations where suspects may be carrying weapons that look like firearms. While pellet guns are often used for recreational purposes, they can still pose significant threats in situations where their appearance could lead officers to believe they are real guns. This complexity has led to calls for greater training and protocols for officers to distinguish between real firearms and non-lethal weapons in high-stress environments.
As the investigation continues, officials are seeking to provide clarity on whether the actions taken by the officers were justified. They are also looking into the background of the suspect, Charles Leonard, and the circumstances that led to the confrontation. Community leaders and residents have expressed concern over the use of deadly force and are calling for transparency in the investigation.
The outcome of the internal investigation and any subsequent public reports will likely shape future policies surrounding police responses to similar situations. In the meantime, the DMPD has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all procedures are followed as they review the actions of the officers involved.
For now, both officers remain on administrative leave while the department evaluates the situation. The department has also called for patience as they work through the details of the case, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need to ensure that justice is served in the aftermath of the fatal shooting.