Wheatfield Man Wanted in Florida Arrested after Barricading Himself in Home

A Wheatfield man wanted on felony charges out of Florida was taken into custody Thursday morning following a standoff with Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies.

According to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, 53-year-old Daniel Couturiaux was spotted outside his residence in Wheatfield around 9:46am on April 10th. Deputies, acting on information that Couturiaux had two active felony warrants from the Daytona Beach Police Department in Volusia County, Florida, attempted to arrest him at the scene.

Authorities say Couturiaux ignored verbal commands and fled on foot. A Taser was deployed but failed to subdue him. He then ran back into his residence and barricaded himself inside, refusing to come out.

The Niagara County Emergency Response Team was called to assist, leading to a prolonged standoff. After an extended period, Couturiaux and a second individual inside the home, identified as 56-year-old Rebecca Smith, exited the residence and were taken into custody without further incident.

Both Couturiaux and Smith were charged with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, which is a misdemeanor. Smith was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Couturiaux was transported to the Niagara County Correctional Facility where he is being held pending centralized arraignment and extradition to Florida.

Wheatfield Man Wanted in Florida Arrested after Barricading Himself in Home