Officer Elmer C. Anderson, bicycle patrolman at the East 17th substation, was accidentally shot by George Stone, his partner, while the two were attempting to capture a vicious dog at the rear of 1531 Yandes Street on January 14, 1915.  Anderson and Stone had responded to a call that a mad dog was terrorizing the neighborhood and had bitten a 13-year old child who was playing near the front of his home.  As the men alighted from their motorcycles, the dog darted between them.  The dog sprang at Anderson, who jumped aside just as his partner fired a shot.  Jumping in the path of the bullet, Anderson was struck by the bullet in the right side of his back.  The bullet then passed through his stomach.  A neighbor called the ambulance, and Anderson was rushed to the city hospital where he died the next morning (January 15), at 8:00.

Anderson and Stone had been assigned together for six months, and during that time formed a close friendship.  They were regarded one of the most efficient teams in the department.  Stone was heartbroken by the incident.  The coroner ruled the shooting accidental and exonerated Stone from all blame.

Prior to his appointment to the police force in April 1912, Anderson was a railroader.  He was promoted to bicycleman by Chief Perrott in January 1914.  Anderson was 28 at the time of his death.  He was survived by his widow and a 4-year old daughter.

Source:  Indianapolis News, January 15, 1915