Tracy J. White

How they died

Deadly force

Just before 11 p.m. officer Phil Terrones responded to reports of a man "casing" homes to rob. Neighbors told Terrones that the man, Tracy J. White, was inside a car parked in front of the house. Terrones told White to get out, but White started the engine. Police said a struggle ensued, and White drove off, dragging Terrones a short distance. Terrones ran back to his car and chased White. PCSD deputies joined the pursuit once it left Des Moines city limits. White drove over stop sticks, hit another car and crashed into a ditch. Terrones used his car to block White's driver's side door. White opened the passenger door and allegedly pointed a shotgun at Terrones, who shot White once. White was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police later said White was suspected of setting fire to the 88-year-old St. Mary's of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Milo earlier that day.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Tracy J. White, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources