Patrolman Fred Buhland was shot and killed after he and several other officers were investigating shots fired. Upon their arrival, they found two intoxicated men holding guns. The guns were confiscated and the men arrested, but not searched, when one man ran from the officers. While fleeing, the man produced another gun, fired several shots and struck Patrolman Buhland twice, killing him. The suspect fled the scene and was never identified or apprehended.
Patrolman Buhland had served with the South Bend Police Department for only one month.