Police: Man Endangers Children and Animals During Competition

A Hudson Valley man is in trouble for allegedly making multiple attempts to scare animals during a competition, putting a number of children at risk.

On Sunday, Saugerties Police responded to a complaint that a man was acting strange and at Horses in the Sun in Saugerties and endangering the welfare of a number of young riders during a competition.

Police say 35-year-old Derek Legoff, of Saugerties was seen throwing debris over the arena fence and onto a competition ring.

Legoff also allegedly revved his car engine in an attempt to scare the horses. The spinning of his tires caused rocks and dust to go into the direction of the ponies and childern who were all 14-years-old or younger.

Legoff is also accused of using a laser pointer and pointing it into the eyes of the ponies while the children were riding the animals.

Legoff was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, and a violation for disorderly conduct. He is facing additional charges of endangering the welfare of a children.

Legoff was arraigned in the Town of Saugerties Court and remanded to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $1,000. He was issued an order from the court to stay away from any and all Horses in the Sun property and employees.