A late-night highway stop erupted into a dangerous multi-stage pursuit early Sunday morning, leading to the arrest of a convicted felon who allegedly fired multiple times at deputies, troopers, and even nearby bystanders, according to a press release issued by the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 12:10 a.m. on November 30, when a Safe Streets Bureau deputy clocked a blue GMC Sierra traveling 78 mph in a posted 60 mph zone along Route 68. The driver, later identified as Jimmy Paleto, reportedly crossed a double yellow line while speeding, prompting the deputy to initiate a traffic stop.
Instead of complying, Paleto fled—accelerating north on Route 68 before abruptly turning and pursuing a group of motorcyclists wearing yeti costume attire. During this bizarre sequence, authorities say Paleto began firing a weapon through his windshield toward the motorcyclists, forcing deputies to initiate a full vehicle pursuit.
The chase wound through Route 13, Sandy Shores, and ultimately the Sandy Shores Airfield as Paleto repeatedly rammed and swerved toward law enforcement vehicles attempting to stop him. Deputies deployed multiple PIT maneuvers, but Paleto continued fleeing until his vehicle became disabled near the 600 block of Panorama Drive.
According to BCSO, Paleto fled on foot and immediately opened fire again—this time toward both deputies and the motorcyclists—before being confronted. Moments later, he allegedly produced another firearm and opened fire toward approaching units, striking a Highway Patrol trooper in the chest and leg. Deputies and responding troopers returned fire, incapacitating Paleto long enough to take him into custody.
He was transported to Sandy Shores Medical Center for treatment before being processed at the jail, where investigators discovered he was a previously convicted violent felon prohibited from possessing a firearm. A subsequent search of his person and vehicle uncovered additional evidence tied to prior incidents.
Paleto later pled guilty to all charges and received a sentence of more than 1,000 months in Bolingbroke Penitentiary, closing one of the most dangerous and unpredictable overnight pursuits Blaine County has seen in recent memory.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Editor’s Personal Piece — By Red Stevens
In reviewing this incident, one takeaway stands out: our deputies and troopers continue to put themselves at unimaginable risk to protect communities that often never see the chaos unfolding just outside their front doors. While the details of this pursuit almost sound fictional—a man firing through his windshield at costumed motorcyclists before engaging in a shootout—it is a stark reminder of the volatility law enforcement faces every night.
No one expects perfection from our deputies, but we should acknowledge the composure and restraint shown in a situation where the margin for error was razor thin. A trooper was shot, civilians were endangered, and yet order was restored. That deserves recognition.
It’s easy to forget how quickly routine policing can turn into a life-or-death struggle. Last night in Sandy Shores, it did—and our law enforcement officers met that moment with courage.
Official Release Below.
