Dragnet: The Big Net 04/20/1954

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Dragnet "The Big Net" (April 20, 1954) Released May 6, 2025

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Introduction

"Dragnet: The Big Net" immerses listeners in a tense and methodical investigation led by Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Frank Smith. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Los Angeles, this episode captures the essence of the era’s crime-fighting techniques and the relentless pursuit of justice characteristic of the iconic Dragnet series.

Case Assignment

At [02:44], Detective Sergeant Joe Friday briefs his team about a troubling series of crimes plaguing the city:

Joe Friday: "We're assigned a robbery detail. 14 women in your city have been robbed and beaten. You've got a half dozen descriptions of their attacker. None of them match the man. Still free. Your job. Get him."

The detectives face the challenge of apprehending a suspect whose physical descriptions vary significantly across different reports, complicating the identification process.

Suspect Profile and Modus Operandi

Through meticulous analysis, Joe and Frank identify consistent patterns in the crimes. At [03:59], Joe details the suspect's characteristics and operational habits:

Joe Friday: "One thing that's fairly constant is the description of the clothing worn by the suspect. It's almost always dark, wears a hat, and he's been known to wear a top coat. The hat and the coat are also of dark material."

The suspect operates predominantly between 5:30 PM and 11:30 PM, targeting areas near streetcar and bus lines. This strategic timing and location selection suggest a calculated approach to minimize detection and maximize opportunities for theft.

Operational Strategy

To outmaneuver the cunning thief, Joe devises an innovative strategy utilizing female officers as decoys. At [06:27], he explains the deployment plan:

Joe Friday: "There’ll be two officers assigned to follow each policewoman. Now, we've been able to obtain 10 in all. That’ll mean that 20 officers will be assigned to them."

This tactic aims to create unpredictable interactions with potential victims, increasing the likelihood of the suspect making a move, thereby facilitating his capture.

Personal Insights

The episode also delves into the personal lives of the detectives, adding depth to their characters. At [10:38], Joe shares his frustrations:

Joe Friday: "I’d like to take him over. I’d repress him."

These moments humanize the detectives, highlighting the emotional toll that such high-stakes investigations can take on individuals dedicated to their duty.

Lead Misidentification and Redirection

A significant turning point occurs when Joe and Frank investigate Victor Nathaniel Roberts, initially suspected due to a matching description. However, further investigation reveals:

Joe Friday: "He'd spent three months undergoing treatment for alcoholism."

At [14:53], Joe acknowledges the dead end:

Joe Friday: "The suspect we were looking for had been working for the past two months."

This misidentification emphasizes the complexities and challenges inherent in criminal investigations.

Breakthrough Discovery

Persistence leads to a breakthrough when a hotel manager in Skid Row discovers the suspect. At [16:33], the manager reports:

Hotel Manager: "I found him over here in the closet... I thought to myself, I ought to call the police, get him right out here."

Joe and Frank respond swiftly, leading to the suspect's identification as Jerry Kilgallen. Through rigorous interrogation, Kilgallen confesses to the thefts, driven by desperation:

Joe Friday: "He gave us the date and the times of the thefts."

Final Confrontation and Resolution

Despite Kilgallen’s arrest, the threat persists as he continues his criminal activities outside the surveillance zones. This escalation culminates in a dramatic pursuit:

Joe Friday: "Suspect is now on foot being pursued by two plain clothes officers..."

In the ensuing confrontation, Kilgallen is fatally wounded. The inquest concludes at [28:19] with the verification of justifiable homicide:

Narrator: "The suspect, Kenneth Neil Stewart, died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by police officers in the line of duty. The death was listed as justifiable homicide."

Conclusion

"The Big Net" epitomizes the relentless determination and methodical approach of Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his team. The episode underscores themes of perseverance, justice, and the intricate dance between law enforcement and criminal activity, maintaining the authentic feel that has made Dragnet a classic in radio detective storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday ([05:53]): "The gun's been described as a revolver."

• Frank Smith ([07:06]): "No one will draw any time till this thing is cleaned up."

• Hotel Manager ([16:34]): "I thought it was my duty to call the police when I found him."

• Joe Friday ([14:53]): "He'd spent three months undergoing treatment for alcoholism."

• Narrator ([27:42]): "The suspect, Kenneth Neil Stewart, died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by police officers in the line of duty. The death was listed as justifiable homicide."

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This detailed summary captures the essence of "Dragnet: The Big Net," highlighting the procedural steps, character dynamics, and pivotal moments that drive the narrative forward. Notable quotes are interspersed with timestamps to provide direct insights into key developments, ensuring that both longtime fans and new listeners can appreciate the depth and intensity of this classic radio detective story.

Transcript

[Dutch Vet]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

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].

[Narrator]

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

[Chesterfield Advertiser]

Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield. Made by Liggett and Myers. First major tobacco company to bring you a complete line of quality cigarettes.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. 14 women in your city have been robbed and beaten. You've got a half dozen descriptions of their attacker. None of them match the man. Still free. Your job. Get him. Chesterfield's for me. You hear it everywhere. Tonight we hear from America's number one bandleader, Ray Anthony, who with his attractive wife Dee, plays college dates from coast.

[Joe Friday]

To coast in cigarettes. The young crowd really goes for Chesterfield's. I've noticed that wherever we've played and I guess it's one of the reasons Chesterfield is America's most popular two way cigarette. Of course, D and I are Chesterfield smokers too. We know they're best for us.

[Narrator]

Chesterfield's for me. You hear it everywhere. For the taste you want the mildness, you want change. To Chesterfield, they satisfy millions.

[Chesterfield Advertiser]

Dragnet, 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.

[Joe Friday]

It was Wednesday, November 26th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. I was on my way back to the office and it was 2:34pm when I got to room 27. A robbery.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Come on, Joe. Everybody's in the Skipper's office.

[Joe Friday]

All right. I take by R and I to pick up these Packages.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Anything on them?

[Joe Friday]

No, not much. We'll check them out, but they don't look like they're going anyplace.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, go ahead, Joe.

[Frank Smith]

Frank, you want to come over here?

[Joe Friday]

Yes. Sorry we're late.

[Frank Smith]

Don't worry about it. Let's get this thing on the road.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Frank Smith]

Want to settle down? Let's get started. The word's probably gotten to you about why we're here. It's on this purse snatching thing. Friday and Smith have got things gotten way out of hand. Thief hit again night before last. Victim's at the county hospital in a critical condition. She was pistol whipped, and it looks like she's got a fractured skull. It's only a matter of time before somebody's killed. That's the reason we're here, to see that it doesn't happen. They all got mimeographed MO Sheets on it. You'll find what information we've got. Some of it's pretty broad, but it's the best we've been able to come up with. Friday and Smith have handled the thing to hear, so I'll let them give you the details you want to tell them.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, right, Skipper. Well, first off, you'll notice on those MO Sheets all of the crimes have been listed in the order that they happened. Also the place and the time. There's also a description of the clothing the suspect wore and when we could get it. A description of the suspect. Now, you'll notice that in most cases there's quite a difference there on the physical description of the suspect. However, we've been able to put them all together and we've come up with a composite drawing that should look something like the suspect. One thing that's fairly constant is the description of the clothing worn by the suspect. It's almost always Dark, wears a hat, and he's been known to wear a top coat. Now, the hat and the coat are also of dark material. Clear? All right. Now take a look over here at the wall map. And we've pinpointed all the jobs so you can get a little better picture of the operations. Can you all see there? All right. First one took place at 73rd street just off Broadway, right here. The rest of the pins along here show the jobs that he made from there all the way up to Jefferson. He's also worked Avalon Boulevard, Central Avenue. Any street where there's a streetcar or a bus line he's hit. He works between the hours of 5:30 and 11:30pm the approach is almost always the same. Frank, you want to tell him about the victim?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, the victim will get off the streetcar, usually, or the bus, whatever it is, and starts to walk home. As soon as the woman gets in the area that's not lighted well or that hasn't got much traffic, the guy walks up behind her and grabs him. After that, he tries to take her purse. If the victim offers any resistance, well, he usually slugs him. Cause of the fact that two of the victims have seen a gun in his hand. We know he's armed, so the gun's been described as revolver.

[Joe Friday]

How about a car, Joe?

[Narrator]

Excuse me?

[Joe Friday]

Suspect drive one car? Yeah. Well, we got to assume that. Yeah, he's been seen a couple of times by people in the neighborhoods as he ran through their yards. Pretty safe to figure that he's got a car parked on a side street somewhere. None of the victims have seen a car, however, but we know he leaves the area immediately.

[Narrator]

No description of the vehicle, huh?

[Joe Friday]

No, no. We've had a couple of calls, but they didn't check out. Now, the plan here is to use police women as decoys and try to bait him out into the open. That's the reason the women officers are here.

[Frank Smith]

You figure to work the main arterials?

[Joe Friday]

What was that? You figured to work the main arterials? Yeah. Yeah. There'll be two officers assigned to follow each policewoman. Now, we've been able to obtain 10 in all. That'll mean that 20 officers will be assigned to them. The rest of you'll be in the area somewhere. Now, one of the things to look for is any vehicle which closely follows a streetcar or a bus. How about it? Any questions?

[Officer]

Yes. How are we going to get our assignments?

[Joe Friday]

Well, a skipper here has a list. Lomi. All of the officers who are to work with a policewoman are noted. Now, the others are given the areas that they're supposed to patrol. What about other calls coming in?

[Frank Smith]

Who's gonna handle that?

[Joe Friday]

I didn't hear you. The other calls coming in, who's going to handle them? Well, those officers not assigned to a police woman, See, there'll be other units from the outlying areas on the operation, too. They'll lend us a hand. But remember this. Under no circumstances are those officers working with the decoy to leave her. Is that clear? Yeah. Don't leave the policewoman. Right.

[Narrator]

Why don't we stick with the detail?

[Joe Friday]

Unless there's an emergency call? Yeah, that's right.

[Narrator]

Well, if we run into any problems, who do we call, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll be in the area in 1K80. You can get in touch with us, Harry. How about it?

[Narrator]

Well, if we pick up a suspect.

[Joe Friday]

Should we get in touch with you? Well, you can use your own judgment on that, George. If you think it's a routine pickup, take him to Robbery and he'll be processed there.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Any more questions, Skipper? Anything else?

[Frank Smith]

Well, you all know about the days off cancellation. Sorry it has to hit now, but that's the way it's got to be. No one will draw any time till this thing is cleaned up.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Right.

[Frank Smith]

When Murphy. Won't do any good to have your wife call me, you're still gonna have to work. That's it. Operation will start tonight and go until the suspect's in custody. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. Say, wait a minute. Before you go. The worksheet's on the board outside. You can check it on the way out. You better do that. Right.

[Frank Smith]

Is there anything else you need to carry it off?

[Joe Friday]

No, it's all there, Skipper. Only we can use now is luck.

[Frank Smith]

No reason for you to be different. Suspect had his share.

[Joe Friday]

Frank and I left the office and drove out to the area of the operation. The plan was that the policewomen would board the cars and buses and get off at the points where previous sluggings had not taken place. In the established M.O. of the suspect, it was noted that he never hit on any street more than once. At 4pm that afternoon, all of the units were in place and the plan was started during the night. Several pickups were made, but no one was apprehended who resembled the suspect. Those people who were detained were processed, and they were either booked or released the following day. Thursday, November 27th. Frank and I checked the reports filed by officers in the field. At 3pm we stopped at a small restaurant. We had a plate of sliced turkey, cold gravy and some lumpy mashed potatoes. We wished each other a happy Thanksgiving. We went back to unit 1K80 and cruised the streets marked for surveillance. Another night went by without the suspect hitting. Saturday, November 29, 11:30pm Frank and I were driving down San Pedro street at Vernon Avenue.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Looks like another one shot, huh?

[Joe Friday]

That's beginning to shape up that way, isn't it?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You figure the suspect knows about the operation? I mean, where we're working.

[Joe Friday]

You got as much as I have? Doesn't seem likely.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You got a cigarette? I'm out.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. There you go.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Thanks.

[Joe Friday]

I'm gonna give you a light. 6:16.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Faye was sure hacked about Thanksgiving. Well, I figured it didn't make me too mad. She had the in laws over.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, her brother.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

One thing about that guy, he can eat more than any 10 people. You know, I've had to sit there and just look at him and everybody's through and he's still going strong. Yeah, nephew was over too, you know Little Sam? You've heard me talk about Little Sam.

[Joe Friday]

No, I don't think so.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, Little Sam. Kid's a monster. Only 10 years old and he's a real monster. Fay's sister lets the kid do whatever comes into his mind. They say it isn't good to repress him. What? They say it isn't good to repress him. That's what they, you know. Repress him. Yeah, I'd like to take him over. I'd repress him.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I guess you'd do that real good, wouldn't you?

[Dispatcher]

1K80, 1K80, meet unit 1K87 at the 300 block, East 51st Street.

[Officer]

Code 2.

[Joe Friday]

1K8 0. Roger. KMA 367. Let's go.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, that's one of the units assigned to a decoy. Think it's a good one?

[Joe Friday]

Well, there's one way to find out, isn't there? Yeah, ask them. South park is located at the corner of San Pedro and 51st Street. One of the police women had gotten off a streetcar at the corner of Main street and 51st. She'd walked east, and as she passed the park, a man had approached, blocked her progress and demanded money. The man was pretty drunk, and when the officers following the woman arrived at the scene, he was struggling with a policewoman. He was taken into custody and we were called. We took the man to room 27A and from there to the interrogation room. Physically, he matched the description of the suspect as we'd gotten it from the victims. 12:15am that's the dirtiest thing I ever.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Heard of, pulling me in here like this.

[Joe Friday]

All right, what's your name?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I don't think I'm gonna tell you.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Let me see your wallet.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Nothing in there. No juice.

[Joe Friday]

Empty your pockets on the table.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Did you have a copy of the LA phone?

[Joe Friday]

Come on, mister. Empty your pockets, will you? All right, come on. Everything. How about your wallet?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Hey, young man, no juice.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Take the money out.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I told you, there's no juice, no.

[Joe Friday]

Money in the wallet.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

No.

[Joe Friday]

All right, how about it? This your true name? Victor Nathaniel Roberts.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

You think I use alias now?

[Joe Friday]

Don't be smart. Where do you live?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Well, I have no pad.

[Joe Friday]

Where you been sleeping?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Wherever I can.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You got a job?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

What?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Do you work?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

No.

[Joe Friday]

You ever Hold a job?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

No, never had a job.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Can't. Remember what.

[Joe Friday]

What were you doing on 51st street tonight?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Oh, I was just looking around.

[Joe Friday]

At 11:30 at night?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

The sun hurts my eyes, all right. I was just walking along the street when this young woman stopped me.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

She stopped you?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

She tried to pick me up.

[Joe Friday]

That girl was a policewoman.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

You're telling me.

[Joe Friday]

Now, what were you doing out there?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I'm never going there again.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Ever been arrested?

[Joe Friday]

I am now before.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I'll tell you the truth.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, you do that.

[Officer]

I have.

[Joe Friday]

Where?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

All around.

[Joe Friday]

What were you arrested for?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Vag.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Have you done time in California?

[Joe Friday]

Come on, have you done time in California?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Have you?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Yes.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I'll check the record jar.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Is he gonna look me up?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I say, is he gonna look me up?

[Joe Friday]

He's gonna check your record? Yeah.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Officer, you mind a little constructive criticism?

[Joe Friday]

Now, you listen, mister, your funny time's running out here.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

You must feel a little sleepy about this whole thing, don't you?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I mean, this whole business about the policewoman. Don't you think that that's going too far?

[Joe Friday]

How long you been in Los Angeles?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Oh, sometime this year.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean by that?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Oh, checked in about a year.

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

I said I checked in about a year.

[Joe Friday]

A year ago, you mean?

[Dispatcher]

Yeah.

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Yeah, about a year ago.

[Joe Friday]

Well, if you haven't got a job, how do you manage to live?

[Victor Nathaniel Roberts]

Haven't got a little drink, have you, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

See you a minute?

[Joe Friday]

Fine. You sit still. What do you got?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Checked R. And I got the word on Roberts.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah? What about him?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

He's been tagged 67 times for drunk.

[Joe Friday]

Ball in L. A.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Total's 92. Doesn't look like he's our man, though.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, he's been in Camarillo for the last three months.

[Joe Friday]

We put in a call to the superintendent at the state hospital up at Camarillo. He told us that Victor Roberts had only been released 10 days before. He'd spent three months undergoing treatment for alcoholism. The suspect we were looking for had been working for the past two months. Roberts was booked in at the main jail on the charge of violation of section 4127 ALAMC. During the time we'd been working on the case, all known purse snatchers had been picked up and interrogated. Runs by the stats office had been made and the names they gave us had been checked out. Locals and APBs were gotten out carrying the description in the MO of the suspect. The leads that came in were followed up without result. Informants were questioned, and George Brereton up at CII in Sacramento furnished us a list of possibles. All in all, over 100 people had been questioned in the course of the investigation. Several other cases were cleared, but our prime suspect was still free. Meantime, the operation continued. Each night at 4:30pm 10 policewomen would board streetcars and buses in the area. 10 police cars carrying 20 officers would follow them. In the immediate vicinity, another 40 men were patrolling the streets and alleys looking for the thief. As a result of the newspaper stories on the string of crimes, calls were coming into the complaint board at such a rate that they were jamming our normal facilities. Women refused to walk the streets alone after dark. Apparently, the thief could come and go as he pleased. In the next two days, he hit three times, but in areas that were not covered. He began to hit in places he hadn't worked before. He seemed to know where we were and that we were using decoys. The search went on Tuesday, December 2nd. We got a call from the manager of a cheap hotel in the skid row area. We drove out to see her.

[Hotel Manager]

Right down this way.

[Dispatcher]

He's not in.

[Joe Friday]

Well, just what is it you want us to see?

[Hotel Manager]

You wait. When you get a good look, you'll know.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yes, ma'am.

[Hotel Manager]

Here we are. I'll get the door. You just come on in.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Yes, ma'am.

[Hotel Manager]

Over here. I was cleaning up this morning. My girl's sick. Had to do it myself and just cleaning up, and I found him over here. In the closet? Yeah, up on the shelf. Can you see him up there, way back.

[Joe Friday]

Wait a minute. I have to get a chair.

[Hotel Manager]

Well, I was just straightening up and I saw him. And I thought to myself, I ought to call the police, get him right out here. That's what I thought to myself.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Hotel Manager]

I always feel it's the duty of every citizen to cooperate with the police.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. You got your flashlight for me? Huh? Flashlight.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, yeah. Here you go.

[Hotel Manager]

Well, do you see him up there on the shelf?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. Frank. Yeah? There's something down there I can pick him up with.

[Hotel Manager]

Well, you'll find out anyway. You don't have to worry about fingerprints. I guess I shouldn't have done it, but when I found them, I picked them up, but I put them right back, right where I found them.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

There you are.

[Dutch Vet]

Time is precious, and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started. Dutch. Dutch, Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with Unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments. And shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What you got?

[Joe Friday]

Two women's purses.

[Hotel Manager]

Mm, Two. Look inside of them. All kinds of cards and things. No money, but all kinds of other stuff.

[Joe Friday]

You just look.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Who has this room?

[Hotel Manager]

You mean registered?

[Chesterfield Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Hotel Manager]

Well, he gave his name as Jerry Kilgallen. You ask me, though, I think it's phony.

[Joe Friday]

He take the room alone, did he?

[Hotel Manager]

Oh, absolutely. This is a hotel for men. Don't allow no women in.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Is it possible that somebody else left.

[Joe Friday]

These purses up there?

[Hotel Manager]

Hardly. These rooms are cleaned every day. Cleaned thoroughly. I don't miss anything.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

How about the identification in them, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

I don't recognize the names. We'll have to check them. Take a look at this, though. No. Here. On the lining of the purse. This one? Oh, yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I better get it to the lab, huh?

[Hotel Manager]

What is it? You find something?

[Joe Friday]

We're not sure.

[Hotel Manager]

Well, what is it? I called you. I got a right to know.

[Joe Friday]

What is it? It looks like blood stains.

[Chesterfield Advertiser]

You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

Tobacco has been one of man's basic pleasures for over 400 years. And the Chesterfields you smoke today are the best cigarettes ever made. When I say that I mean Chesterfield regular, I mean Chesterfield king size. Remember, Chesterfield is the cigarette that is tested and approved by 30 years of scientific tobacco research. The cigarette that gives you proof of highest quality. Yes, friends, the Chesterfields you smoke today are the best cigarettes ever made. For the taste you want the mildness, you want change to Chesterfield, they satisfy millions.

[Joe Friday]

We got a complete description of Jerry Kill Gallon and Frank called it into R and I. We found no record on him under that name. The purse was sent to Lt. Lee Jones at the crime lab. And after running a precipitate test, he told us that the stains were human blood. A stakeout was placed on the hotel, and that night Kilgallan was taken into custody. Under interrogation, he admitted taking the purses from two women in a department store in downtown Los Angeles. He went on to explain that he'd just gotten into town and that he was broke and hungry. He gave us the date and the times of the thefts. And when we called the victims, they were able to give US Positive identifications. He told us that when he'd taken the second purse, he'd cut his hand on the clasp and that the bloodstains we found were his own. He was booked in at the main jail on the charge of suspicion of robbery. That night, Frank and I took up our place in the dragnet operation. Nothing happened. The next night went by without activity. On Thursday night at approximately 8:45, a woman was slugged and robbed after she left the bus on 71st street, just off Vermont. All cars in the operation converged on the area and a block by block search was made. Additional officers were called in to aid in the hunt. Every alley, every street and every backyard was gone over thoroughly. 11:15pm While the search continued, Frank and I drove down to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital to talk to the latest victim.

[Officer]

I was on my way home. I didn't think anything like this would happen. I was just walking home.

[Joe Friday]

Can you give us a description of the man?

[Officer]

I don't know. It was dark. I was just walking home and it happened.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Did you see the man at all?

[Officer]

Yes, it was dark.

[Joe Friday]

Was he a tall man?

[Officer]

I guess so. I guess he was tall. I talked to the other men. Isn't that enough? I talked to them.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we're trying to get all the information we can.

[Officer]

I don't remember. Good. My head hurts. Isn't there something I can do to make my head stop hurting?

[Joe Friday]

Did you see the man's face? Did you get a look at it?

[Officer]

Yes, I did. I saw his face.

[Joe Friday]

Can you describe it for us? Can you tell us what he looked like?

[Officer]

I don't know. I don't feel good.

[Joe Friday]

This is pretty important, ma'am.

[Officer]

He had a real white face. Real white.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What about his eyes? Can you tell us what color they were?

[Officer]

Blue. Watery blue.

[Joe Friday]

How about his hair?

[Officer]

It looked brown. I'm not sure. I think it was brown. He had a hat on? I couldn't tell. Good.

[Joe Friday]

Just a few more questions now.

[Officer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Can you tell what color his hat was?

[Officer]

I don't know. My head hurts. Can't you do something?

[Joe Friday]

We'll send for the doctor again. He might be able to give you another sedative.

[Officer]

Hurts.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Something else, ma'am? Was the man clean shaven?

[Officer]

Huh?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I say, did he have a mustache?

[Officer]

No.

[Joe Friday]

No mustache to wear glasses?

[Officer]

No.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Is there anything else you can tell us about his appearance?

[Officer]

No, nothing. He had a gun. I know that he had a gun. That's what he hit me with. Gun. He hit me when I wouldn't give him the purse first. He Asked me for the money. Told him to get out of my way. He said he'd kill me. And he hit me on the head. Hit me as hard as he could.

[Joe Friday]

All right, ma'am. Now, is there anything else you can tell us that might make it easier to identify him?

[Officer]

No, nothing. I told you everything I know. Nothing else.

[Joe Friday]

All right. We're sorry to have bothered you. Thank you. We'll be talking with you again when you're feeling better.

[Officer]

Yeah. You come back then, I tell you. Remember that.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Thank you very much for your help.

[Officer]

It's all right. You ask the doctor to come back, won't you?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Officer]

Huh. Officer?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Officer]

Something else might help a little bit.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, ma'am?

[Officer]

Before he hit me, I remember there was a fight. I didn't want him to take my purse. There was a fight?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Officer]

I tried to stop him and I scratched him. Scratched him hard, see? Broke a fingernail when I did it. That'll help, won't it?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am, it should.

[Officer]

Last thing I remember before he hit me, he was bleeding a lot.

[Joe Friday]

Where did you scratch him, ma'am? Do you remember? On the hand?

[Officer]

No. No. Right across the face, left side.

[Joe Friday]

We got to a phone and we had a broadcast put out carrying the additional information on the man and the fact that he had been badly scratched. Officers in the immediate area of the attack started to check of all the drug stores that were open in the hope that the thief had stopped for medication. After getting a call out, Frank and I left the hospital and started back to search the area.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

11:46Pm you talked the doctor about the victim?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. She's in pretty bad shape. They're gonna move her to General Sebastian. Says he might have to operate.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Be glad to get this guy.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Dispatcher]

Attention all units. Attention all units.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You want to turn it up, Joe?

[Dispatcher]

All units on frequency 7, please stand. Goodbye. All units in the vicinity of the 100 block on West 29th Street. Officer needs help. Special attention, 1K80, code three.

[Joe Friday]

Lean on it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Right.

[Dispatcher]

All units in the vicinity of the 100 block on West 29th Street. Officer needs help. Special attention, 1K80, code 3, frequency 7 clear.

[Joe Friday]

I'll call in. 1K8 0 to Control 1. Acknowledging the call to the 100 block on West 29th street. KMA 367. Took us two and a half minutes to get to the location. At the curb on the side of the street, we saw a park police unit. Standing next to it was a woman officer. We pulled up next to the Unit and talked to her. She told us that our suspect had tried to attack her and on the arrival of the two officers, had fled the scene. At that moment, Officers Sluder and Murphy were in pursuit, while Frank got additional information from the policewoman. I went back to the car and got on the radio. 1K8O to Control 1. 1K80 to Control 1.

[Dispatcher]

Control 1 to 1K80, go ahead.

[Joe Friday]

Suspect is now on foot being pursued by two plain clothes officers through backyards in the area of West 100 block between 29th street and 30th Street. Dispatch units to block intersections of Broadway and 29th Street. Broadway and 30th. Broadway and 28th Street. Broadway and 27th. Intersections of Main and 28th. Main and 29th. Main and 30th Streets. Main and 27th Street.

[Dispatcher]

Control 1 to 1K80. Roger. KMA 367.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I got the story. You set?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Let's go.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Policewoman says they're headed west. This is the back of the house down there.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's move.

[Dispatcher]

Attention all units. Attention all units. 1K8.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Policewoman says suspect ducked into a driveway. Right up there.

[Joe Friday]

All right, take it easy.

[Dispatcher]

Right. 29th Street. Now being pursued.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Looks like we got a live one this time, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Let's hope we can keep them in the backyard.

[Dispatcher]

Between 100 block 29th street and 100 block West 30th Street.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

1K82 flashlights over there, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Let's take a look.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You see who it is?

[Joe Friday]

No. Duck back behind the garage. Come on. What do you got? He's back there. Murphy's with him. You guys all right? Yeah. All right, let's take a look. You want to call an ambulance, Frank?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

How is he? You better stop, Frank. Yeah, tell him to cancel that ambulance.

[Frank Smith]

He opened up first, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Murph and I gave him every chance. Well, that's morning. Gave those women.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Chesterfield Advertiser]

On December 8, an inquest was held in the offices of the coroner in and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that inquest.

[Narrator]

Now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Earlier, George Feniman told you exactly why the Chesterfield you smoked today is the best cigarette ever made. And best for you. Now, the rest is up to you. Get a carton or two for yourself, smoke them and you'll say, as we do, it's Chesterfield's for me.

[Chesterfield Advertiser]

At the inquest, the coroner's jury returned a verdict that the suspect, Kenneth Neil Stewart, died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by police officers in the line of duty. The death was listed as justifiable homicide. 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. Technical Advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Van Spracher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Vic Perrin, Vivi Janis, Herb Ellis. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

Watch an entirely different Dragnet case history each week on your local NBC television station. Please check your newspapers for the day and time Chesterfield has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles Filter cigarette smokers. Here is headline news. Nationwide demand for L and M filters drops price. Now you save up to 4 cents a pack, 40 cents a carton. Now everyone can afford America's highest quality and best filter tip cigarette. Remember, only L&M's have the miracle filter tip containing alpha cellulose. You get much more flavor, much less nicotine. Buy L and M filters, the distinctive Monogram cigarette at the new low price. L and M filters here. Crime and Peter Chambers following John Cameron Swayze on the NBC radio network.