Storm Lake, Iowa — A report from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office says two Iowa State Patrol troopers were legally justified in the January 27th, 2025 fatal shooting of Daniel Palenik during a lengthy stand-off in Storm Lake.
Authorities say the incident started when a Buena Vista County deputy attempted to pull over Palenik for a traffic violation. Palenik instead took off at a high rate of speed and then slammed on his brakes. It was learned Palenik had a suspended license and didn’t have insurance. Palenik drove off as the deputy was attempting to issue a citation. Palenik was located a short time later at his residence, where he barricaded himself. Authorities say Palenik had also poured gasoline around his vehicles and home. Numerous efforts were made to negotiate Palenik’s surrender but were unsuccessful. Warrants were obtained for his arrest for eluding and speeding. Palenik opened fire on officers after they started breaking down barriers. The standoff continued after Palenik again opened fire on officers several times, injuring one of them after the glass in an armored vehicle the officer was driving was struck by a bullet and shattered. Two troopers saw Palenik crawl through a hole in the attic just after authority was given for them to shoot Palenik if he continued to refuse to surrender. Both troopers fired a single shot that killed Palenik.
Law enforcement found that Palenik was armed with a rifle, pistol, shotgun and loads of ammunition. The report says he fired about 120 shots at officers by the end of the 19-hour stand-off and that he threatened the lives of officers. The report notes that Palenik was also a danger to his neighbors who had to be evacuated.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO in Spirit Lake)
KIWA Staff Photo
