(Storm Lake) The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting in Storm Lake.
At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 26, the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office stopped a pickup truck for speeding outside of Storm Lake. During the traffic stop, the driver, 45-year-old Daniel Joseph James Palenik, was uncooperative, made threats towards law enforcement, and fled from the traffic stop at a high rate of speed. Law enforcement located Palenik at his Storm Lake residence a short time later. Palenik subsequently barricaded himself inside his residence. At approximately 10:00 a.m., law enforcement evacuated residents in the area surrounding the 300 block of Oneida Street and set up a perimeter around the home.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., Palenik fired several rounds at law enforcement.
Numerous law enforcement agencies responded to assist with negotiations and tactical support, including the Storm Lake Police Department, Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Storm Lake Fire Department, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux City Police Department, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, Palenik fired dozens of rounds at officers, striking both occupied vehicles and law enforcement equipment.
Shortly before 3:00 this morning (Monday, January 27), Palenik again fired at law enforcement. Officers returned fire, striking Palenik. Palenik died at the scene.
The officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave consistent with departmental policy.
