Dragnet: The Big Limp 06/07/1955

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Dragnet: "The Big Limp" (06/07/1955)

Original Air Date: March 17, 2026 (rebroadcast)
Length: ~25 minutes
Podcast Host: Choice Classic Radio
Main Theme:
A gritty, factual journey through a robbery investigation in 1950s Los Angeles, this episode of Dragnet follows Sgt. Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith as they uncover, pursue, and apprehend a pair of hardened criminals planning a series of robberies—with chilling consequences for all involved.

---

Episode Overview

Dragnet, known for its hard-boiled realism and procedural accuracy, here recounts the true, dramatized case of a loan company robbery. The episode opens with a tip about a planned heist, which leads Friday and Smith through a labyrinth of family betrayals, desperate criminals, and escalating danger. As the detectives connect the dots—from a wayward juvenile, to a war-hardened criminal with a wooden leg, to an out-of-state murderer on the lam—the story builds toward a tense confrontation and ultimate justice.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Investigation Begins

• Opening (01:23 – 02:40):
  It's a hot morning in LA. Friday and Smith are assigned to check out a tip about a robbery. After a bit of light banter about a complicated Coke machine—“All the wires in there, levers, must be a couple hundred wheels.” (Frank Smith, 01:45)—they meet another officer with news that a 17-year-old, Homer Rankin, has been arrested and mentioned his brother's criminal plans.

2. Family Ties and the Reluctant Informant

• Interviewing Homer (03:20 – 04:41):

  • Homer Rankin is sullen and worried about snitching:
    • “Word leaks I turn fink and the services will be real nice. You’re all invited.” (Homer, 03:43)
  • Detectives sense he feels pressure from all sides—helping the police could endanger him, but remaining quiet won’t help his brother, Tim.

• Background on Tim Rankin (04:58 – 05:56):

  • A string of arrests, never convicted.
  • Detectives prepare to visit his estranged wife for leads.

3. Interview with Paula Rankin: Bitterness and Leads

• Paula’s Perspective (06:06 – 08:54):
  • Paula is bitter, distrustful of her husband, and provides scant information except his likely hangouts and companions.
    • “Since the day I met him, I’ve been carrying the economy size of trouble.” (Paula, 06:29)
  • She mentions Tim’s associate “Shelly” and a hot dog stand on 114th as a possible haunt.

4. At the Hot Dog Stand: New Suspect Emerges

• Hot Dog Stand Owner’s Info (09:34 – 13:17):
  • Tim and Shelly Mitchell, often seen together.
  • Shelley has a wooden leg ("the big limp") and is not slowed by it:
    • “He’s got a wooden leg...I saw him tangle with a guy...almost knocked the fella’s head right off his shoulders.” (Hot Dog Stand Owner, 12:47)
  • The two are rumored to be plotting a strike at the Timely Loan Company.

5. Background Check and Escalating Stakes

• Shelly Mitchell’s Record (13:17 – 15:13):
  • Dishonorable discharge for theft from the Army and left with 345 missing automatics.
  • Mug shot confirms ID; a stakeout is planned, but the robbery occurs before police can intervene.

6. The Crime Scene: Victim’s Dilemma

• Interview with Richard Conover (16:09 – 17:56):
  • Conover, the loan company manager, is too scared to identify the robbers:
    • “If I helped the police, they’d find out and make me sorry for it.” (Conover, 16:37)
  • After reassurance, he identifies Rankin and Mitchell.

7. The Manhunt and Stakeout

• Closing In (18:28 – 21:01):
  • Rankin is eventually found and arrested at a hotel, confesses to the robbery, and reveals plans for a new crime spree with Mitchell and “Bennett,” a dangerous accomplice wanted for murder.

8. Final Confrontation: The Arrest

• Coffee Stand Bust (22:07 – 23:39):
  • Police corner and apprehend Mitchell and Bennett after a brief scuffle.
  • Mitchell:
    • “12 hours. 12 more hours, you’d have missed us...You’d have never found us.” (Mitchell, 23:29)
  • Friday’s reply drips with the show’s signature dry irony:
    • “Yeah, just like now.” (Friday, 23:39)

9. Case Resolution and Epilogue

• Legal Outcomes (23:53 – end):
  • Homer Rankin was sent to juvenile court.
  • Timothy Rankin and Shelly Mitchell, convicted of first-degree robbery; sentenced to 5+ years’ imprisonment.
  • Randolph Bennett (a.k.a. James Virgil Nicholson) held for New Jersey on murder and kidnapping charges.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On responsibility and regret:
  • “Maybe he just likes to invent things.”
    “No, I don’t think that’s it...Sure gotta be a good reason for thinking it up.”
    (Joe Friday & Frank Smith, 01:45–02:38)
• Paula Rankin’s cutting sarcasm:
  • “If you got paid for goofin’, Tim could retire. Only thing wrong is he ain’t got nothing to retire from.” (Paula Rankin, 07:17)
• On Shelly’s limp and toughness:
  • “The leg don’t slow him down a bit...Real punch.” (Hot Dog Stand Owner, 12:40–12:56)
• On fear and moral choices:
  • “If I helped the police, they’d find out and make me sorry for it...so they’d get my family.” (Conover, 16:37)
• Dry Dragnet justice:
  • “Yeah, just like now.” (Friday, 23:39)

---

Important Timestamps

• Opening briefing: 01:23–02:40
• Homer Rankin interviewed: 03:20–04:41
• Background on Tim Rankin: 04:58–05:56
• Paula Rankin interview: 06:06–08:54
• Hot Dog Stand conversation: 09:34–13:17
• Background check on Shelley Mitchell: 13:17–15:13
• Robbery discovered & Conover interview: 15:54–17:56
• Rankin’s arrest and confession: 18:28–21:01
• Final café confrontation and arrests: 22:07–23:39
• Epilogue/verdicts: 23:53–end

---

Tone and Style

Dragnet’s signature style is “just the facts,” with dialogue that is clipped, understated, and filled with sardonic wit. The episode moves briskly through each step of the investigation, portraying detectives as relentless but not without empathy and weariness. The show’s structure—a series of interview scenes, staccato voiceovers, and legal epilogue—delivers a strong sense of procedural authenticity.

---

Conclusion

"The Big Limp" offers a classic slice of Dragnet, mixing grim realism, terse humor, and an unvarnished look at police work circa 1955. Through methodical investigation and moral ambiguity (especially in the character of the fearful bank manager), this episode captures the tension and trade-offs of seeking justice in a hard city.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[B]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[A]

You're a detective sergeant.

[B]

You're assigned a robbery detail. You get a call from an officer in another division. He's come across some information about a robbery.

[A]

Your job. Check it out.

[C]

Dragnet.

[B]

The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. Transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[A]

It was Wednesday, May 18th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner is Frank Smith, the boss of chief of Detective Thad Brown. My name is Friday. We're on our way down from the office. It was 10:47am when we got to the R and I counter. Coke machine. I don't see him.

[C]

No.

[A]

It's quite a gadget, huh, Joe? What a machine here.

[C]

Real piece of work.

[A]

Sure is.

[C]

Here you are.

[A]

Thank you. Stop and figure, Joe. All the wires in there, levers must be a couple hundred wheels. Yeah. Johnny say why I wanted to see us? Yes, sir. There must be four or five miles of wire in that thing. Yeah, at least. Why do you think he did it, Joe? What? Invent the machine? I don't know. Maybe he just likes to invent things. No, I don't think that's it. What's your idea? Well, guy'd have to spend a lot of time to build something like this. Maybe a couple of years. Yeah. Figure now a person just has to step up, put a coin in, cup drops down, syrup pours in seltzer way. It's all measured out. Yeah, Guy, I'd have to spend a lot of time on that. Yeah, I guess so. Sure gotta be a good reason for thinking it up. What's your idea? I don't think you could find a bottle opener.

[C]

Sure, Joe.

[A]

Frank. Hi, John. Oh, hi, John.

[C]

Sorry I'm late. I gotta call on my way out.

[A]

No trouble. What do you got?

[C]

Picked up a kid day before yesterday carrying a can full of grass. Pretty rough kid when we tagged him. Wouldn't give us the time of day. How old is he? 17. Just under the line. We got to talking to him last night. Started to relax. Guess he knew he was in trouble.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

One thing led to another and the kid ended up talking pretty good.

[A]

What'd he give you?

[C]

Rumble about his brother. Got big plans. Yeah, and a knock over a loan company.

[A]

Captain Powers. Frank and I left the City hall, drove over to Georgia Street Juvenile. We had the suspect brought to one of the interview rooms.

[C]

All right, sit down, Homer.

[A]

Homer.

[C]

This is Sergeant Friday and Officer Smith. I want to talk to you. Joe, Frank is Homer Rankin.

[A]

Oh, yeah, son.

[C]

What do you want? Well, I told him what you said about your brother, Homer. They'd like to go over it with you. That's a lousy deal.

[A]

What do you mean by that, son?

[C]

Stinks, that's what I mean. What I told you wasn't supposed to be broadcast. I'm just trying to help you out, kid.

[D]

Yeah?

[C]

Where's your shovel? Word leaks, I turn fink and the services will be real nice. You're all invited.

[A]

Look, boy, you're not gonna help yourself by acting like this. And you're not gonna do your brother any good either.

[C]

You tell me all about it, huh?

[A]

What are you trying to build, Homer? What do you want?

[C]

Leave me alone.

[A]

We can't do that. You know it.

[D]

Try Comer.

[C]

You're in trouble. Why make it any worse, huh? You got me for possession, that's all. You ain't gonna make any more out of it.

[A]

All right, let's go.

[C]

Come on, kid. Where to now? The basement for the rubber hose, huh? Going back to your cell?

[A]

Good.

[C]

I didn't sleep good last night. Maybe I can get some snack time.

[A]

You better do it while you can.

[C]

What's that supposed to mean?

[A]

By the time the court gets through you, you're not gonna feel like sleeping, I'm afraid. What do you do? Hm?

[C]

Where you work? What's your job? Around Robbery. Big guys, huh?

[A]

No.

[C]

I heard about you fellas. Big time operators. Guess I should feel pretty good you come to see me.

[A]

How do you figure that?

[C]

You don't waste your time on small time stuff.

[A]

Well, you better take another look, huh? We did. This morning. We sent back to Captain Power's office and got the name and address of the subject's brother. 12:10pm we drove back to City hall and had the name checked through R and I.

[D]

We are.

[A]

Thanks. Home. That's a fat packing. Well, let's see the arrest report. Long. So burglary two eleven. He's been busy. You got a five through there.

[C]

There it is.

[A]

Who's he list as the next of kin? White, Paula Rankin. 101st street address. Better talk to him. No. You think the kid told Powers the truth? I don't know. Maybe just wanted to sound big. It's possible. Brother sure fits, though. Guy's been lucky. What do you mean? Well, I'll le Arrest has never stood a conviction. Let's see if we can change that. We got a copy of the suspect's mud shot and we went out to see his wife. She lived in one of the new housing projects on the south side of the city.

[D]

Yeah?

[A]

Ms. Rankin?

[D]

That's right.

[A]

Police officers. We'd like to talk to you.

[D]

I don't know anything about the marijuana. Kid got it someplace. It's his problem. I got enough of my own.

[A]

We'd like to talk to you about your husband.

[D]

Tim?

[A]

That's right.

[D]

Come on in.

[A]

Thank you.

[D]

Want to sit down?

[A]

Thanks. This is my partner, Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[D]

Yeah. Now, what's the beef about? Tim.

[A]

Is he here?

[D]

No.

[A]

You know where he is?

[D]

No, I don't.

[A]

Went to see him last?

[D]

Couple of days ago.

[A]

You out of town?

[D]

I don't know. Couldn't care any less.

[A]

Do you have any idea where we can get in touch with him?

[D]

Listen, mister, if I knew you'd have it. I got nothing to save him from. As I'm concerned, he can boil that so. Yeah. Since the day I met him, I've been carrying the economy size of trouble. Week goes by and he ain't pinched. It's a cause to get arrested for shooting off skyrockets. Oh, something. I'm tired of it and I'm through with him. Never see him again. I ain't gonna cry about it.

[A]

You got any other relatives in town?

[D]

Just the J.D.

[A]

ma'. Am.

[D]

The kid, Homer.

[C]

The only one boy lives here.

[A]

Is that right?

[D]

He's got a bed. Don't use it much, like his brother. All the time out trying to get himself hung up. Never seen such a trouble family.

[A]

Any place your husband might go?

[D]

I told you before, if there is, I don't know about it.

[A]

Does he have a job?

[D]

Tim?

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[D]

Honey, if you got paid for goofin, Tim could retire. Only thing wrong is he ain't got nothing to retire from.

[A]

He doesn't have a job?

[D]

That's the general idea, yeah.

[A]

Where does he spend his time?

[D]

Ain't around here.

[A]

Well, where do you know?

[D]

I don't know. Guess it'd be the hot dog stand. A couple of times when I needed some money, I caught up with him there.

[A]

Where is the place?

[D]

Down on 114th, couple of blocks over. You can't miss it. One of those all night places.

[A]

Your husband have any close friends?

[D]

What do you mean? Pose?

[A]

Well, people he'd spend time with?

[D]

Yeah, couple of guys fit that.

[A]

You know their names?

[D]

No.

[A]

You ever seen them?

[D]

Yeah, one of them was here once.

[C]

I saw him.

[A]

Can you give us a name?

[D]

No, I don't remember. Me and Tim had a beef about it. I came home, found him and this bum crocked on beer, had a beef about it and ended up with both of them leaving.

[A]

Can you describe the man for us?

[D]

He's a man. Got a head, two arms, two legs.

[A]

That's all you can tell us?

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

All right. Thanks for the time.

[D]

Don't worry about it.

[A]

It's free. I'm gonna leave you a card. If you hear from your husband, we'd appreciate a call. Sure.

[D]

Well, don't hold your breath. Isn't likely he'll come back this time.

[A]

All right.

[D]

Can you tell me what it's about?

[A]

It's a police matter. It'd be better if we talk to him personally.

[D]

Can I get you anything? Drink maybe?

[A]

No, thanks. No, thanks.

[D]

Too bad. Sometime when you're in the neighborhood, you know, not working, drop in and I'll pour you a drink.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[D]

No, I mean it. Girl gets lonely just sitting by herself. Company. Be nice. You're not married, are you?

[A]

No, ma'. Am.

[D]

That's nice. You drop by now anytime.

[A]

You bet. Thanks again. Goodbye, Ms. Rank.

[D]

Bye.

[A]

Hey, Joe. Just do me a favor, will you? Sure, old buddy. What is it?

[B]

Be quiet.

[A]

We checked with the neighbors and they verified Ms. Rankin's story about her husband's absence. None of them were able to tell us where he might have gone. Other than saying that the Rankin's fought constantly. They were not able to give us any new information. 2:15pm we drove down to the hot dog stand on 114th. There was no one at the counter who looked like the suspect. Tim Rankin.

[C]

How will it be?

[A]

Cup coffee.

[C]

Okay. How about you?

[A]

Number six? I guess. You make that with cheddar cheese? Yeah. Okay. I'll have one of those. Glass of milk too? Sure.

[C]

Want your coffee now?

[A]

Please.

[C]

Hot.

[A]

That's good. That's the way we like it.

[C]

Not the coffee, the Sun.

[A]

Oh Yeah.

[C]

Paper, scissors. 91 Pacific Center.

[A]

Uh huh. Yeah.

[C]

We should be doing more business than we are. I don't understand it though.

[A]

Is that right?

[C]

You know, cold drinks, hot day, people all the time drinking something cold.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

No offense. That's all right, Malamute.

[A]

Be ready.

[C]

Right Away, huh? That's what the number six is.

[A]

Malamute. Oh. You seen Tim ranking around this morning?

[C]

Yeah, he was in about 10. You guys friends of his?

[A]

We, like, talked to him.

[C]

He came in, had a cup of coffee with Shelly. Two of them left. Oh, I guess about 10:30. Who was he with? You know, Shelly. You know Shelly Mitchell?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

Big buddies all the time together.

[A]

You know where they went?

[C]

I don't know. Maybe it was Shelly's.

[A]

Does he live around here?

[C]

Yeah, he's got a pad a couple blocks over. And your dog? That'll be ready.

[A]

You know the address of that place?

[C]

I never been there. Heard the two of them talk about it, though.

[A]

This guy Mitchell work?

[C]

No, I don't think either one of them do want to leave your names? Guys? Come back. I'll tell them you're here.

[A]

Well, it'd be better if you didn't say anything about it. Why not? We're police officers.

[C]

Old any.

[A]

That's right.

[C]

Sure. Never guessed it. Cops never would have known. You just like anybody else. What are you after Tim and Shelly for? I bet it's a loan company job, huh? Huh?

[A]

Is that it? What do you know about it?

[C]

Oh, look, mister, I didn't have any part in the action. I just heard him talking, that's all. Yeah, gospel. I don't even think they were serious, but known they meant it. I called the cops myself. I want to get mixed up. Nothing like that. Not me. I. I ain't about to put my neck out.

[A]

What'd they say about the job?

[C]

Oh, just they're going to pull it. Last time I thought they were kidding. Talking big. I sure never figured they'd really do it.

[A]

What's the name of the company? That place they talked about. What's the name of it?

[C]

Timely Loan Company over on Western.

[A]

They say when they were going to make it?

[C]

I talked about Monday afternoon, I guess. Decided not to wait though, huh?

[A]

Yeah. Either one of them drive a car, do you know?

[C]

Shelly does. I don't think it's his, though.

[A]

You ever seen it?

[C]

Yeah, a couple times.

[A]

He's had it there. What kind of a car is it?

[C]

Pontiac, four door.

[A]

Happen to know the license number?

[C]

Sorry, fellows. Never pay much attention to it.

[A]

Either one of them say when they'd be back?

[C]

No. It could be any time, though. They come and go.

[A]

You know if this Mitchell's ever been arrested?

[C]

I can't give you an answer. Never heard him talk about it. When did they hit the place?

[A]

What?

[C]

When they robbed the loan company. I never read nothing about it.

[A]

Papers haven't got it yet. Anybody hurt?

[C]

Why do you ask?

[A]

That

[C]

figures. It's all.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[C]

I know one thing for sure. I wouldn't want to get in Shelley's way. The leg don't slow him down a bit.

[A]

What do you mean?

[C]

He's got a wooden leg, you know.

[A]

Here.

[C]

The right one. Told me once he got wounded in war.

[A]

Is that right?

[C]

He still walks with a little limp like this. I saw him tangle with a guy once. Happened in the alley. Out and back.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Almost knocked the fell's head right off his shoulders. Real punch.

[A]

Is that right? Yeah.

[C]

That's why I asked if anybody been hurt. Shelly being like he is.

[D]

Yeah, of course.

[C]

I guess he wouldn't hit anybody. Be no need for it.

[A]

What do you mean?

[C]

Well, he wouldn't have to. That's all. Yeah, Both of them got guns.

[A]

Frank and I arranged for a steak out on the hot dog stand. Then we went back to City hall and ran the name Shelly Mitchell and his description through R and I. We came up with a possible that looked good. The mug shot was pulled and shown to the owner of the hot dog stand. He gave a positive identification. We contacted army authorities and requested what information they could give us. Yes, sir. Huh? When was it? Let's see. You have those numbers right now? I have them. All right, Lieutenant, thanks again. Friday, Michigan 5211, extension 2511. No, it's 2 5. Right. Okay. Many thanks. How about it? Looks good. He was given a dishonorable discharge. For what? Theft. Spent a couple of months in the stockade and then the army kicked him out. Yeah. They'd like to talk to him again, though. Well, how come? According to the lieutenant, seems after he left, they got to check him. He didn't leave alone. What do you mean? Took 345 automatics with him. An immediate check was made at the last place listed in Mitchell's package. But he'd moved and left no forwarding address. Additional officers began to canvass the area where he was supposed to be living. Local broadcasts and APV's were gotten out on both suspects, and a stakeout was set up on Tim Rankin's home. That afternoon we met with Captain Donahoe and it was decided to put a stake out on the loan company. 4:50pm Frank and I were leaving the office to make the necessary arrangements. You got the mug? Yeah. We better get on it right away. Yeah, Hot shot. We missed it, huh? Family loan company? Yeah, Was just held up.

[E]

Welcome to your peloton. Pilates Era Built on precision, backed by results and trusted by over 2 million members. Experience instructors with true Pilates expertise, offering classes for every level from foundational to powerfully challenging. Choose from 10 to 45 minute sessions with little to no equipment, anytime, anywhere. And with the cross training swivel screen, you can move seamlessly from cardio to mat press Pilates. Small moves, big impact. Find out [e-mail] Pilates.

[A]

Frank and I left the office and drove out to the Timely Loan Company on Western Avenue. By the time we got there, a radio card answered the call and the officers were checking the neighborhood. A broadcast had already been gotten out carrying their description. Frank and I talked with A manager, a Mr. Richard Conover. Is there anything we can do for you, sir?

[C]

Well, what if you take a look

[A]

at some pictures and see if you can recognize the holdup man? I have to. Well, it'll help us. All right. Here they are, sir.

[C]

No, they're not here.

[A]

You sure?

[C]

I looked at them. You haven't got a picture.

[A]

Would you mind going through them again?

[C]

I'll be honest with you. I'd like to see you get the two men. But the money's insured. I'm not going to put my family on the block for it.

[A]

I don't think I understand.

[C]

It's just that I believe in him, that's all.

[A]

What do you mean?

[C]

On the way out, they told me. Said if I helped the police, they'd find out and make me sorry for it. Yeah, so they'd get my family.

[A]

We went over the description Conover had given the uniform men. Could have fit almost anyone. The crime lab came out and went over the offices of the loan company. They found nothing that would aid us. The people in the immediate vicinity were interviewed. None of them were able to give us a good description of the suspects. The victim, Richard Conover, was taken to the City hall where Frank and I talked to him for over an hour. 8:14pm Mr. Conover, we need your help. If we don't have it, our job's gonna be five times as hard.

[C]

I've told you, I'm not gonna put my family in jeopardy.

[A]

Well, now, look, we'll put a policeman in your house. He'll be there 24 hours a day until we come up with the thieves. There'll be an officer with your children. Nobody's gonna get in there.

[C]

That's ridiculous.

[A]

What do you mean?

[C]

I'm not gonna subject them to that kind of supervision.

[A]

Well, then maybe you better take another look. Mr. Conover, there are two men in this city who've held you up. They've made threats on your life. Now, we don't blame you for being concerned, but this isn't going to help unless you go along with us. Our hands are tied. There isn't anything we can do. You've got no reason to believe that these men aren't going to try to get at you. Even if you don't talk. You're the only one who can't identify them. Pretty soon they're going to think about that and then we won't be able to stop them. You and your family are in trouble now, whether you talk to us or not.

[C]

All right, I'll tell you.

[A]

The suspects were positively identified as Timothy Rankin and Shelley Mitchell. Additional bulletins were gotten out on the two men and the search for them was intensified. Officers were dispatched to Conover's home in the event that the two thieves tried to make good their threat. Rankin's brother was requestioned at Georgia Street Juvenile, but either he couldn't or else he wouldn't aid us in apprehending the suspect. 11:30 that night. Frank and I are ready to leave the office. You sign the log?

[C]

Yeah. Let's go.

[A]

I get it. Robbery Friday. Hello? Robbery Friday. Oh, yeah. Benson. Wait a minute. Give me that again, will you? Be right out. Benson and Stronghold?

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

They found the suspect. In canvassing the area around the hot dog stand, officers Benson, Stromwall and Herman had checked the hotel. When the clerk was shown pictures of the suspects, he said the two men who looked like the pictures were staying in the place. However, when the rooms were checked, at the suggestion of the manager, Rankin and Mitchell were not there. They staked out the room and we were called. When Frank and I arrived, we took up our positions in the room while the other officers covered the entrances to the hotel. 4:15am we waited. What time you got? Wait a minute. Kind of hard to see without a light. 4:30. The hats did a good job. Like finding a needle. Mm. You heard how Herman's coming with the books? I was talking to him the other day. Said he didn't think he's ever gonna make a lawyer. I guess it's rough with the hours he's got. It works out, though. What do you mean? He told me that when he and Strongwell got a stakeout together, they'd ask each other questions. You know, try to study that way. That's a hard way to do it. All right, Mr. Holder. Right there.

[C]

I'm doing like you say. I'm not going to Cause no trouble.

[A]

Turn around, face the wall.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[A]

Just like I'm saying. Hands up on the wall. Yes, sir.

[C]

I'm doing it just like you said. I'm not rough.

[A]

Here you are, Joe. Where'd you get this gun, Rankin?

[C]

Shelly gave it to me. That's the truth. Honest, mister. I got it from Shelly.

[A]

All right. Put your hands behind you.

[C]

Yes, sir. Right behind me.

[A]

You can turn around.

[C]

Huh? Don't shoot, Mr. Hump. Please don't shoot.

[A]

Turn around. Yes, sir. Where's Mitchell?

[C]

I don't know. I'll come off it.

[A]

Now, where is he?

[C]

Well, I don't know, mister. That's the truth. I just don't know. Well, look, if I did, I'd tell you. Honest I would.

[A]

When'd you see him last?

[C]

A couple hours ago.

[A]

Where? Coffee place.

[C]

Under Monster.

[A]

Is he still there?

[C]

I don't know.

[A]

What was he doing?

[C]

He was talking to another fella.

[A]

Who?

[C]

A guy named Randolph Bennett, sir. I'm not sure that's his real name, though.

[A]

Is he coming back?

[C]

No, sir. He doesn't live here.

[A]

Clerk says he does.

[C]

Who are you talking about?

[A]

Mitchell.

[C]

Oh, I meant Bennett. He doesn't live here. Mitchell does, but Bennett doesn't.

[A]

Now, how about an answer?

[C]

Well, I'm sorry, sir. I don't know what you're talking about.

[A]

Mitchell. Is he coming back?

[C]

Well, I don't think so.

[A]

Why do you say that?

[C]

Well, we had a fight.

[A]

I don't think he'll be back, sir. What'd you fight about?

[C]

Well, it's something he wanted me to do. I didn't want any part of it.

[A]

What was it?

[C]

Well, he said if I didn't go along with him and Bennett, they'd kill me. And I didn't like the deal.

[A]

What deal?

[C]

Him and Bennett, they got a caper plant. I was supposed to go with him, but I didn't want to, sir. Honest. That's the truth. I really didn't want to. Yeah, you see, I was supposed to steal a car for him to use. And when I thought about it, I didn't want to get in any more trouble than I am now.

[A]

Jovia hit the loan company this afternoon? Yeah, that's right, sir. This fella, Bennett, he was with you?

[C]

No, sir. We met him tonight. Him and Shelly planned this other deal. They wanted me to go with him, but I didn't want to, honest. That's the God's truth, sir. I didn't want to. That's why we had this fight.

[A]

What's the deal?

[C]

Well, they figured to start out about 9 in the morning. Shelly's got it all figured. They say they can hit about eight places and the two of them are going to leave town.

[A]

What are you talking about?

[C]

Well, this deal. They're going to rob some loan companies.

[A]

What about this fellow Bennett? You know him? No, sir.

[C]

He's a friend of Shelley's. They've known each other, though, for a long time.

[A]

Where's he from?

[C]

Oh, back east someplace. I'm not sure where. I just know the cops are after him.

[A]

Why?

[C]

Well, he broke out of jail while he was waiting to be tried.

[A]

What was the charge?

[C]

Kidnapping and murder.

[A]

We left the hotel room and picked up the other officers. We had Tim Rankin point out the coffee stand where he'd last seen Shelly Mitchell. Then we called a radio car and turned Rankin over to the uniform men. While Benson, Stromwell and Herman covered the rear entrance of the place, Frank and I went in the front door. There they are, Joe. Halfway down? Yeah. Let's go.

[C]

Oh, I should know. Guys always talk big when it comes to doing something. Back down.

[A]

A lot of fun kids around.

[C]

Oh, we don't have to. Yeah. Guys got a license to listen?

[A]

Shelly Mitchell. All right, Mr. One. Here. Come on, get up.

[C]

You okay, Joe?

[A]

Yeah. What about Bennett? He's all right.

[C]

Lousy cops. Lousy, rotten cuffs. Turn around. Give me your cups, will you, Joe? Yeah.

[A]

Come on, turn around. I'll take care of Ben. All right, Mitchell, turn around.

[C]

All a stick of ding.

[A]

All right, come on, move.

[C]

How'd you get to me?

[A]

Don't you worry about that.

[C]

Rottenest, lousiest deal I ever heard of.

[A]

Where'd you get this gun?

[C]

I bought it.

[A]

From the government, huh?

[C]

Well, it's none of your business.

[A]

All right, we'll go your way. Lousy.

[C]

12 hours. 12 more hours, you'd have missed us this afternoon. We'd have been on the way. You'd have never found us.

[A]

Yeah. You really believe that, don't you?

[C]

Oh, sure. We'd have gotten the start. You'd have been dead looking all around. Never found us.

[A]

Yeah, just like now.

[B]

The story you have just heard is true.

[C]

The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[B]

On September 16, trial was held in Department 92, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that trial. Homer Norman Rankin was referred to juvenile court and after a hearing was made award of the state. Timothy Alfred Rankin and Shelley Vincent Mitchell were tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree. One count. They received sentence as prescribed by law. Robbery in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period of not less than five years. Randolph Bennett, alias James Virgil Nicholson, was held for New Jersey authorities to answer charges of murder, kidnapping and escape. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[E]

Welcome to your Peloton Pilates era built on precision, backed by results and trusted by over 2 million members. Experienced instructors with true Pilates expertise, offering classes for every level from foundational to powerfully challenging. Choose from 10 to 45 minute sessions with little to no equipment, anytime, anywhere and with the cross training swivel screen, you can move seamlessly from cardio to mat press. Pilates Small moves, big impact. Find out [e-mail] Pilates.