Arrests, ‘Bad Behavior’ Prompt Far Hills Race Security Review

Far Hills police chief says juveniles taken to Somerset Medical Center with extreme levels of intoxication; other racegoers face criminal charges.

The annual Far Hills Race Meeting held each October may be the year's best party in the Somerset Hills, but arrests, violations issues and police response, as well as commentary, resulting from the behavior of some of the 40,000 attendees last Saturday's outdoor gathering will prompt a review of security policies for future years, said the co-chairman of the event. Far Hills Police Chief Ken Hartman on Tuesday said disorderly behavior at the steeplechase horse race, a benefit for Somerset Medical Center, "was at its peak compared to previous race events."  Although police in neighboring communities, particularly Bernardsville but also Bernards Township and Bedminster, reported some traffic and impact from the event, the bulk of the …

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Far Hills Races Mean Added Duties for Area Police

Extra traffic, unauthorized parking and potentially intoxicated drivers are some of the issues that neighboring departments anticipate each year.

The Far Hills Race Meeting is a highlight of the social season in the Somerset Hills, drawing some 40,000 spectators from near and far to enjoy fall weather, feasting and steeplechase horse racing at an event that also is an important fundraiser for the Somerset Medical Center. But while those attending the event are looking forward to the event as an enjoyable party, local police departments are gearing up not with picnic baskets, but with plans to put on extra patrols to deal with the issues that arise when so many people converge on a tiny rural borough surrounded by neighboring communities — all with the intention of having fun. Far Hills Borough, which hosts the annual event, receives funding by the event organizer, Somerset Medical …

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'Click it or Ticket' Continues Through Sunday

Area police departments beef up efforts to make sure all are properly belted in front and back seats of vehicles.

Bernards Township Police, along with police in nearby communities such as Bernardsville and Far Hills, will continue this year's statewide “Click it or Ticket” mobilization to enforce seat belt laws for both front and back seat vehicle occupants. The stepped up patrols and check points that are part of the program are due to continue through this Sunday, June 3. The two-week program began May 21. Bernards Township polive have conducted multiple seat belt check points at a number of locations, said Police Lt. Ted Reese. Those locations include South Finley Avenue in the center of Basking Ridge; on Martinsville Road by the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad building; on Lyons Road by the Lyons Mall; on Mount Airy Road near the Route 287 …

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Fatal Bike Accident Thursday in Far Hills

Far Hills police say Bedminster bicyclist died of his injuries.

A 52-year-old bicyclist from Bedminster died from his injuries on Thursday afternoon when he lost control, struck a truck heading in the opposite direction, and then hit a tree along Pennbrook Road in Far Hills, borough police reported. The bicyclist was Leonard S. Krupat, 52, from Revere Drive in Bedminster Township, said Far Hills Police Chief Ken Hartman. Far Hills Police Officer Fred Ryan and emergency medical personnel responded within minutes to a report of a bicyclist down and unresponsive at 1:24 p.m. on Thursday, according to Hartman. "It was determined that the bicyclist died from his injuries," the chief reported. Hartman said no charges are being filed against the driver of the truck. "Upon investigation and witness statements…