Auxiliary Officer Arthur Reifeis,53, was critically injured while directing traffic near Butler Fieldhouse on February 27, 1953. Officer Reifeis was struck by a car at the intersection of 46th and Meridian Streets, following the afternoon games in the basketball sectional tournament.  He suffered a broken left leg, concussion, and skull fracture.  The car was driven by Rae C. Hodgin, 65, who was charged with reckless driving and disobeying an officer's signal.

Officer Reifeis was transported to General Hospital where he died on Monday, March 9, 1953.

Officer Reifeis worked as a voluntary auxiliary officer for seven years.  He never received renumeration and devoted four or five nights every week to the work.  In this capacity, he was a familiar figure at Garfied Park, particularly during the summer concert series.

A life resident of Indianapolis, Officer Reifeis was the son of German immigrants. For 35 years he had been employed at the Link-Belt Co. and was a member of the company's bowling league.

Officer Reifeis was survived by his wife, Gladys; four sons, Arthur, Vernon, Joseph, and Richard; and a daughter, Janice.  He is buried in Washington Park Cemetery (East) in Indianapolis.