Charles Leonard dies in fatal downtown Des Moines police shooting
Fatal downtown Des Moines police shooting death of Charles Leonard – Obituary
Charles Leonard, 70, was shot and killed by police last week during a confrontation in downtown Des Moines.
Officers responded to a call at Elsie Mason Manor, located at 430 Grand Ave., around 6:07 a.m. Tuesday regarding a report of a man pointing a gun at a woman. Police encountered Leonard holding what appeared to be a pistol through the window of the building’s lobby, which houses affordable senior apartments.
According to authorities, Leonard allegedly pointed the weapon toward officers, prompting them to fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later identified the weapon as an airsoft pellet gun, which lacked the distinctive orange safety tip. No other individuals were injured during the incident.
