Standoff With Police Ends After Barricaded Man Surrenders: Sheriff

CLINTON, NY — A man who barricaded himself in a Dutchess County home was convinced to surrender to police after a standoff.

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office said Zachary Higgins was arrested for unlawful fleeing from a police officer, reckless driving and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle on Monday. The 34-year-old was also issued multiple traffic tickets.

Police say Higgins led a deputy on a pursuit in Dutchess County. That chase ended at a home on North Creek Road in the Town of Clinton.

Higgins fled into the residence and barricaded himself inside, with potential access to firearms, police said. Members of the Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Unit, UAS (drone) Unit, Crisis Negotiations Unit and Detective Bureau responded to the scene to assist the Patrol Division.

Deputies engaged in dialogue with Higgins from outside the residence, eventually leading to a peaceful surrender by Higgins, officials said.

During the investigation, Higgins was found to have an active bench warrant out of the Town of Newburgh for felony drug charges. He was processed and issued an appearance ticket by the Sheriff's Office before being turned over to the Town of Newburgh Police Department for their warrant.

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by members of the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, the New York State Police, the Dutchess County Office of Emergency Management and members of Empress EMS.