Three Columbia County men arrested following robbery investigation

Claverack, New York – On May 17, 2016, New York State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested three Philmont men following a robbery reported to police on May 15, 2016.  Derek P. Peeters, age 22, 26-year-old Erik M. Shook, and David A. Zukowski Jr., 27 years old, were all charged with the Class C Felony of Robbery in the 2^nd Degree.

On May 15, 2016 at approximately 1:00 a.m., Troopers were dispatched by Columbia County 911 to the Claverack Town Park for a reported robbery.  The complainant reported that while he was at the park, several individuals known to the victim attacked him with a folding chair.  Subsequent investigation revealed that Peeters, Shook and Zukowski forcibly stole the victim’s cell phone and wallet.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has knowledge of the defendants is asked to contact the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Livingston by calling (845) 677-7300.

All three defendants were arraigned before the Honorable Michael Brandon in the Town of Claverack Justice Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.  They are due to appear in the Town of Claverack Court at a later date and time.