Daniel Palenik Obituary, Death; – Authorities continue to investigate a pursuit that occurred on Sunday morning in Storm Lake, Iowa, which culminated in a standoff that concluded on Monday morning with the death of the suspect.
The Storm Lake Police Department, along with the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, engaged in a chase with an individual that ended at a residence located at the intersection of 3rd Street and Oneida.
At approximately 9 a.m. on Sunday, January 26, law enforcement alerted the community to an active and potentially hazardous situation. According to police reports, the suspect barricaded himself inside the residence, prompting law enforcement to secure the surrounding area, evacuate certain residents, and close off several streets.
“Due to credible threats involving the potential use of firearms, this area is not safe at this time. We are asking all residents to stay clear of the vicinity and avoid travel through 3rd and Oneida until further notice,” stated the Storm Lake Police Department during the standoff.
The standoff persisted throughout Sunday and extended into the early hours of Monday, January 27. During this time, the individual inside the home was observed firing at officers positioned outside. Authorities attempted to communicate with the suspect, urging him to exit the premises.
According to the Division of Criminal Investigation, shortly before 3 a.m. on Monday, the suspect again discharged his weapon at law enforcement, prompting officers to return fire. The individual, identified as 45-year-old Daniel Palenik, was struck and subsequently died at the scene. The DCI has indicated that the officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy.
By 5:30 a.m. on Monday, police announced that they had secured the area and declared the situation resolved. Later that morning, KTIV observed investigators, including personnel from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, at the residence, indicating that the investigation was still ongoing.
Significant damage was noted at the upper portion of the home, with a visible hole in the roof and smoke observed at one point during the morning.
