DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Attorney General’s Office released a report finding two Des Moines police officers justified in the fatal downtown shooting.

On November 26, 2024, at approximately 6:05 a.m. the Des Moines Police Department reported to Elise Mason Manor, located at 430 Grand Avenue, after a 911 call was placed with the caller being heard saying “please don’t shoot.”

The suspect was later identified as 70-year-old Charles Alan Leonard III.

The report states that soon after the initial call, a resident of the building called 911 and reported that Leonard was holding the receptionist at gunpoint. The resident knew Leonard and reportedly tried to talk him down, but Leonard refused stating he would only talk to the police.

Leonard placed his wheelchair against a back wall between the elevators so that he had a line of sight at anyone who entered the lobby through the elevator or the two northside and west end doors of the building, according to the report. Leonard also had a clear view of the glass pane wall located on the northwest corner.

Most of the officers who reported to the scene stationed themselves by the north door. Two officers moved to the glass pane wall. Officers then helped hostages escape, before shining a flashlight on Leonard.

Leonard then raised his gun at the officers, who opened fire. Leonard died by multiple gunshot wounds, according to the report.

During the investigation it was discovered that Leonard’s weapon was an air-soft pistol that did not have the orange tip. In the moment this made it indistinguishable from a real handgun.

According to the report Leonard was suffering from mental health struggles and drug addiction. He had quit taking his medications and was described as suicidal. At the scene he reportedly told the receptionist, “I don’t care anymore” and that he intended to die from “suicide by cop.”

Leonard was an immediate threat to the hostages, officers, and residents of the apartment complex, according to the report.

The report states Senior Officers Larry Herzog and Christian Bishop were justified in their actions and criminal charges are unwarranted. Both officers have been on paid administrative assignment since the shooting on November 26.

The report states that the criminal investigation into the incident is considered closed.

The full Iowa Attorney General’s report can be found here.