Man took woman to Olive Garden after forcing her to marry him at gunpoint, told cops he was a ‘really dangerous guy’: Police
A disturbing case out of New Hampshire has led to the arrest of a 47-year-old man accused of forcing a woman into marriage at gunpoint, threatening her family, holding her against her will, and subjecting her to what investigators described as a satanic ritual before police rescued her at an Olive Garden restaurant.
According to court documents, Daniel Ouellet was arrested on June 6 after police responded to a welfare check request involving a woman who was believed to be in danger. Authorities say the woman’s mother, who lives in Pennsylvania, tracked her daughter’s cellphone location to an Olive Garden restaurant in Newington, New Hampshire, and contacted Pennsylvania State Police for help. Pennsylvania authorities then alerted New Hampshire law enforcement, prompting officers from the Newington Police Department to respond to the restaurant.
When officers arrived at approximately 11:30 a.m., the woman reportedly saw police vehicles and immediately ran from the restaurant crying. Investigators noted that she appeared visibly distressed and had what appeared to be cigarette burns on her legs.
Suspect Claimed the Woman Was His Wife
Ouellet Told Officers He Was a “Really Safe Guy”
According to police records, Ouellet identified the woman as his wife and attempted to explain her emotional state to officers.
He allegedly claimed that the woman’s mother was trying to force her into a religious cult and that she was upset because of family-related issues. Ouellet reportedly described himself to officers as a “really safe guy” and insisted there was nothing suspicious about the situation.
During his conversation with police, Ouellet claimed that the cult involved “Stars and the Free Masons.” He further stated that he and the woman had recently married on June 1.
Investigators became suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in Ouellet’s statements. Police said he appeared nervous when officers informed him he could not speak with the woman during their investigation. Authorities also questioned why the pair had been moving between various locations instead of staying at Ouellet’s trailer home, and officers said his explanations repeatedly changed.
Woman Described a Very Different Story
Threats Against Her Family Allegedly Forced Her to Travel
When officers interviewed the woman separately, she provided a dramatically different account of events.
According to investigators, the woman said Ouellet had contacted her and threatened to harm members of her family if she refused to travel to New Hampshire to meet him.
Fearing for her loved ones, she complied and traveled to meet him. Once she arrived, she claimed Ouellet displayed a .45-caliber handgun and informed her that they were going to a town hall in Lee, New Hampshire, to get married.
The woman told police that Ouellet made it clear she would face consequences if she refused the marriage. She said he warned her that if she did not go through with the wedding, he would “make her pay.”
Phone Allegedly Taken Away
Investigators say the woman reported that Ouellet confiscated her cellphone, significantly limiting her ability to seek help or contact anyone.
After the marriage allegedly took place, she remained with him at a campground trailer in Lee, New Hampshire, for several days. She told police she stayed there until June 5 while under his control.
Alleged Multi-State Drive While a Gun Was Pointed at Her
Woman Said Ouellet Claimed Cults Were Following Them
The affidavit states that on June 5, Ouellet allegedly ordered the woman to drive him around while he sat in the passenger seat holding a firearm.
The woman told investigators that Ouellet repeatedly claimed religious cults were following them and tracking their movements.
Police say the pair traveled through multiple locations, including areas in Maine, before eventually returning to New Hampshire.
Throughout the trip, Ouellet allegedly kept the handgun pointed at her while she drove. Investigators believe the firearm was used to maintain control over the woman and prevent her from escaping.
Alleged Satanic Ritual Added Another Layer to the Case
Woman Said Her Hand Was Cut With a Box Cutter
One of the most disturbing allegations involved an incident that reportedly occurred on the morning of June 6.
The woman told police that Ouellet used a box cutter to slice her hand during what he described as a satanic ritual. Court documents indicate that the incident occurred shortly before police were called to the Olive Garden location.
Investigators later searched Ouellet’s vehicle and reported finding several items connected to satanic themes, including a copy of the Satanic Bible, a sweatshirt, and a bag. Authorities included these findings in court filings connected to the case.
Rescue at the Olive Garden
Woman Ran to Officers for Help
Police say the woman seized her opportunity to escape when law enforcement arrived at the restaurant parking lot.
As officers approached, she reportedly ran from the Olive Garden crying and immediately sought assistance. She also informed police that she wanted an emergency protective order against Ouellet.
Authorities subsequently arrested Ouellet at the scene.
The woman was later granted an emergency protective order, providing legal protection from further contact with the suspect.
Criminal Charges and Possible Additional Counts
Initial Charge Filed, More Expected
Following his arrest, Ouellet was charged with using a deadly weapon to prevent someone from reporting a crime.
Investigators indicated that additional criminal charges were likely as the investigation continued and evidence was reviewed.
Ouellet was taken to the Rockingham County Department of Corrections, where he was held on preventive detention following his arrest.
Ouellet Denied the Allegations in Court
“I Totally Believe in Free Will”
During a subsequent court appearance conducted by video, Ouellet denied the accusations against him.
He told the judge that people who know him would not consider him violent and insisted that forcing someone into marriage would violate his religious beliefs.
According to court records, Ouellet stated:
“I totally believe in free will.”
He also denied being aggressive toward the woman and disputed the allegations outlined in police documents.
Despite those claims, prosecutors reportedly informed the court that Ouellet has a criminal history that includes previous domestic violence-related offenses and driving while intoxicated charges.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement officials have indicated that the investigation remains active as they review evidence and determine whether additional charges should be filed.
The case has attracted widespread attention due to the unusual and alarming allegations involving a forced marriage, threats against family members, a multi-state trip allegedly conducted under armed coercion, claims of cults following the couple, and the alleged satanic ritual that investigators say occurred shortly before the woman was rescued.
For now, Ouellet remains in custody while authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the case.