Storm Lake, IA – The Iowa Attorney General’s Office ruled that the actions of law enforcement officers during a January standoff in Storm Lake were legally justified.

We reached out to the Storm Lake Police Department for comment, and Chief Chris Cole issued a statement expressing gratitude to the assisting agencies and stressed that the officers’ actions were justified. He praised the responding officers for their “quick response, professionalism, and discipline under fire.” Chief Cole affirmed the department’s commitment to serving and protecting all residents of Storm Lake and emphasized the importance of community support.

Daniel James Palenik, 45, was fatally shot by Iowa State Patrol troopers after a 19-hour standoff at his Oneida Street residence on January 26th and 27th. Following a high-speed pursuit, Palenik barricaded himself inside, firing approximately 120 rounds at officers and pouring gasoline around his property. Law enforcement deployed armored vehicles, robots, and drones in attempts to negotiate, but when Palenik continued firing, troopers responded with lethal force. The Attorney General’s Office concluded that Palenik presented a substantial threat to law enforcement and the public.

Agencies that assisted were: Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department, Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office, Sac County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, Sioux City Police Department, Sioux County Sheriff’s Department, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Storm Lake Fire Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center EMS, Buena Vista County Emergency Management.

The investigation into the officer involved shooting is now considered closed.