On October 9, 1942, while pursuing a motorist, Motorcycle Policeman Byron D. Todd, 33, was killed when his cycle skidded, hurling him to the pavement in the 2800 block on Brookside.  Witnesses said that Todd, following a driver who had failed to stop at a preferential street, lost control of the motorcycle when it struck an unused streetcar rail, skidding 75 feed.  He suffered a skull fracture and died a short time later at City Hospital.

Born in Indianapolis and a graduate of Shortridge High School, Patrolman Todd attended Butler University for two years.  He became a member of the police department June 11, 1937, as a patrolman in the uniform division.  In March 1939, he was made a motorcycle patrolman.

Officer Todd was survived by his wife and an 8-year old son. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery.

Source:  The Indianapolis Star, October 10 - 11, 1942; The Indianapolis News, October 10, 1942; Indianapolis Police Department Personnel File.