January 27, 2025
STORM LAKE, Iowa - At approximately 8:00 a.m. on January 26, 2025, the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office stopped a pickup truck for speeding outside of Storm Lake. During the traffic stop, the driver, Daniel Joseph James Palenik, 45, 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, to include 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, responded to assist with negotiations and tactical support.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, Palenik fired dozens of rounds at officers, striking both occupied vehicles and law enforcement equipment.
Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on January 27, 2025, 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. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further details will be released at this time.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been requested to investigate.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319