Charles Leroy White, a 49‑year‑old Des Moines resident, has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Des Moines and three police officers—Alex Andersen, Brian Oswald and Grant Purcell—alleging that the officers used unreasonable force that broke his jaw after he had already surrendered.
Details of the alleged incident
The complaint says that on Dec. 1, 2024, at about 11:30 a.m., police were dispatched to a parking lot after a report that White was looking into parked vehicles and pulling on door handles. Officers Andersen, Oswald and Purcell arrived, instructed White to leave, and he complied. White later returned to the area, prompting the officers to attempt an arrest.
According to the lawsuit, White, who was unarmed, stepped back from the officers. Oswald allegedly pointed a Taser at White, ordered him to get on the ground and then discharged the weapon, striking White in the neck with one of the device’s probes. White initially tried to run, but then “voluntarily lowered himself to the ground, coming to rest on his back” and surrendered.
The suit claims body‑camera footage captured White lying on his back with his hands visible and empty, offering no resistance. At that point, Oswald is said to have shouted, “Don’t you move! Get on your back now!” The complaint further alleges that Andersen rolled White onto his chest, and that Purcell applied enough pressure to White’s jaw to fracture it. White is quoted in the filing as exclaiming, “You broke my jaw,” and pleading, “Please don’t do that.” Oswald then allegedly deployed his Taser in stun‑gun mode against White’s left leg.
Medical care and subsequent charges
The lawsuit states that after the incident, officers did not summon emergency medical personnel. Instead, White was taken to the police station and then to the Polk County Jail, where he did not receive medical treatment for his fractured jaw until Dec. 2, 2024, when jail staff arranged for care at Broadlawns Medical Center.
Following his arrest, White faced charges of interference with official acts and attempted burglary in the third degree. The interference charge was later dismissed, and White pleaded guilty to the attempted burglary charge, receiving a sentence of one year of probation.
Broader pattern of claims
White’s attorneys argue that the Des Moines Police Department has a policy or practice of encouraging or tolerating force against arrestees who initially resist but later surrender. The complaint cites a series of excessive‑force claims dating back to 2008, which have resulted in $1.7 million in settlements paid by the city. Those incidents, the suit asserts, reflect a “continuing, widespread, and persistent pattern of unconstitutional conduct” by Des Moines police.
City officials have declined to comment on pending litigation, and no response to the lawsuit has been filed yet.
Related lawsuit
In a separate case, Eric Lee Kelley, 39, filed a lawsuit on Sept. 2, 2026, alleging that officers assaulted him during a 2024 traffic stop, punched him in the head, and allowed a police canine to bite his leg while officers laughed about the encounter. The city has denied wrongdoing in that matter, asserting the officers acted in good faith and are protected by qualified immunity. A trial date has not been set.
Both lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns from community members about police conduct in Des Moines and underscore the need for transparent accountability measures within the department.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
