Dragnet: The Big Office 08/31/1954

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Dragnet: The Big Office (08/31/1954)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Original Air Date: August 31, 1954
Summary Published: September 2, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Dragnet, titled "The Big Office", takes listeners inside the overnight workings of the LAPD business office—the nerve center that handles urgent matters, routine paperwork, and the unpredictable chaos of crime in 1950s Los Angeles. Through a series of vignettes, the episode deftly portrays the realities and pressures faced by Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith as they juggle everything from missing car reports to a murder case, a lost elderly man, suspicious vehicles, and a particularly unusual request involving a skunk.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Business Office Routine and Role

• The episode opens with Joe Friday and Frank Smith covering the business office during the "morning watch."
• The business office is described as a 24/7 operation, especially busy after detective divisions close for the night. Officers handle calls, booking advice, citizen traffic, and policy issues.
• Joe Friday outlines:

  "The business office, room 21. It's open 24 hours a day. But it's after the detective division closes that it begins to work... The captain on duty is, in effect, the acting chief of police." (06:03)

2. Case #1: Stolen Car Report (Miss Avis Bowen)

(Timestamp: 02:56–05:56)

• Miss Avis Bowen, an eccentric and exasperated citizen, reports her 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air stolen.
• She cannot recall her correct license number, causing delays and confusion. Frustration mounts on both sides:
  • Miss Bowen:

    "There must be several hundred cars that look like that. You act like you’ve never seen a car like that." (04:57)

  • Sgt. Friday and Smith attempt to reason with her, offering to escort her home to retrieve the information.
  • Miss Bowen's parting remark:

    "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, man. You're nothing but a fake." (05:51)

3. Case #2: Sound of Shots and Murder on Albany Street

(Timestamp: 12:41am–end of episode)

• A "hotshot" call comes in about gunshots; it's quickly updated to a shooting and, soon after, a homicide.
• Officers respond to 4289 Albany. Two intoxicated suspects, Fred and Harriet Purcell, are arrested. A third man is believed to have fled.
• The episode follows the investigation and interrogation, illustrating the difficulties of interviewing confused, drunk, and uncooperative witnesses.

4. Noteworthy Subplot: Found Elderly Man

(Timestamp: 07:00–09:36)

• Officers find a disoriented elderly man, McKinley Dunn, outside a closed burlesque on Main Street.

• After considerable effort, police contact his daughter for identification. Dunn repeatedly tears up identification cards she tries to place in his wallet:

  "The card’s not gonna do any good, Joe. Daughter says she always puts one in as soon as the old man gets out of the house. He tears it up." (09:00)

• The team arranges for a safe transfer home, showing police concern beyond law enforcement.

5. Interrogations: Breaking Down the Murder

• Harriet Purcell’s recounts are foggy and defensive due to intoxication and recent dental surgery pain:

  "My tooth was impacted...The novocaine started to wear off. The whole side of my face started to hurt terrible." (12:26)

  • She insists Norman Mancrief (the victim) sided with her in an argument, but claims to have been in the kitchen at the time of the shooting.
  • She’s challenged about the presence of a third person by another witness, Leo Regmond.
  • Friday, pressing for honesty:

    "Just one thing I can think of."
    "Yeah?"
    "The truth." (15:22)

• Later, Harry Carnell, the missing third person, is located and tells his version:

  "I went up to the place to collect some money. Mancrief owed me." (20:50)

  • Carnell describes an argument escalating between Purcell and Mancrief, ending with Purcell firing the gun:

    "Purcell ran over to a desk there in the room and hauled out this big gun and started to blaze away." (20:50)

  • Carnell agrees to sign a statement and is cleared.

6. Car Theft or Bad Memory?

(Timestamp: 17:00–20:51)

• The detectives detain 19-year-old Melville Hulbert, suspect of car theft.
• Hulbert claims to have legally purchased the car but gets details confused (due to "bad memory").
• After verifying his story and paperwork, detectives agree it’s likely a clerical error and give the young man a break.

7. Odd Request: The Skunk Dilemma

(Timestamp: 20:51)

• Amid serious cases, the business office fields a call from Hollywood:

  "Policeman out in Hollywood wants permission to kill a skunk. Wants to kill a skunk caught in a trap."

• This moment of levity underscores the unexpected nature of police work.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elderly Confusion:

  "He tears it up." – On McKinley Dunn resisting identification (09:00)

• Lovable Irritation:

  "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, man. You're nothing but a fake." – Miss Bowen (05:51)

• Alcohol and Crime:

  "Just went to collect a bet at the wrong time, that's all. Pretty lousy night. Missed my date, didn't collect the money, end up in the can." – Harry Carnell (20:50)

• Wry Police Humor:

  "Officer said we could use the skunk in the department. Says he'd qualify on the target range any day." – Frank Smith (20:51)

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Timestamps – Important Segments

• 02:56 – Miss Bowen reports her car stolen, confusion about license plate
• 06:03 – Explanatory overview of the LAPD business office
• 07:00 – Elderly McKinley Dunn found, identification efforts
• 12:41am – Hotshot call: sound of shots, homicide update
• 13:13 – Harriet Purcell's statement about the victim and confusion at the scene
• 17:00 – Young man detained in car theft case
• 20:51 – Levity: officer wants permission to "kill a skunk"
• 20:50-end – Harry Carnell’s detailed account; case resolution and morning shift change

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Episode Resolution

• Fred Purcell confesses to shooting Norman Mancrief, although unable to recall the motive (“I can't remember why I'd done it.”) He is charged with manslaughter.
• Harriet Purcell and Harry Carnell are released.
• The car theft accusation against Melville Hulbert is dropped after verification.
• The episode ends with Friday and Smith musing about the demanding, sometimes mundane life working overnight in the business office.

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Overall Tone

True to Dragnet: straightforward, factual, and understated, with moments of dry humor, compassion, and a matter-of-fact look at the complexities of police work.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

I love it. I really do.

[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] Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Dragnet, you're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to the business office. Past records show that you can expect 170 crimes to occur in the city during the next 24 hours. You don't know where, you don't know when your job handle them. 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. Saturday, July 10th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We've been assigned to the business office morning watch. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Gilbert. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from the coffee room and it was 12:10am when I got back to room 21, the business office. Hey, who you talking to, buddy? Oh, hi, Joe. Hi. Hey, try to stay around, will you? I've been here 20 minutes. I've had 29 phone calls and written three reports. Okay. I brought you some coffee back. Oh, thanks. Hey, how you feel? Any better? Oh, a little bit. I don't know what it is. Ache all over. I think I'm coming down with a cold. That's too bad. A lot of that going around. Yeah. Where's Skipper? He ran over the crime lab. Wanted to talk to Pinker. How about the pool cards? You check them? Yeah, they both do. Someplace. There it is. Right on that paper there. No, over there. There? Oh, yeah. Five of them out. Section of books. Yes, ma'. Am. Something due for you.

[B]

You a detective?

[A]

Yes, ma', am, that's right.

[B]

All right. YOUNG ma', am, my car has been stolen.

[A]

All right.

[B]

I told one of the officers on the corner about it, but he said it might work faster if I came.

[A]

Up here yes, ma', am, that's right.

[B]

The car's stolen. All you've got to do is go out and find it. Just find my car?

[A]

What kind of a car is it?

[B]

Well, it was a brand new Chevrolet.

[A]

That's 1954.

[B]

That's right. BEL Air with the windows that fold down.

[A]

All right. Now, we'll need to know some more things here before we can start looking for it.

[B]

Yes. What's that?

[A]

Your name?

[B]

Avis Bowen.

[A]

That's a V. I, S. Well, that's right.

[B]

There's no other way to spell it. Avis Bowen.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Do you have a middle initial?

[B]

R. Hope you're not going to ask me what it stands for.

[A]

No, that won't be necessary.

[B]

There isn't anybody that knows what my middle name is.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. All we want is the initial.

[B]

Well, that's all you're going to get.

[A]

All right, Mrs. Bowen.

[B]

It's Miss.

[A]

All right, what's the license number?

[B]

Oh, now, I. I think it's 1U4 4441.

[A]

All right. Wait just a moment, please.

[B]

Who are you calling now?

[A]

Dmv.

[B]

Who's that?

[A]

Department of Motor Vehicles.

[B]

Oh, my. All this going on, it's a wonder you ever catch anybody.

[A]

Bye. Harry, this is Friday over at the business office. California license, one union 44441. That's right.

[B]

Tell him it's a Bel Air with the windows that fold down by themselves.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Doesn't it? Well, hold on here. You sure about that license number?

[B]

What do you mean?

[A]

Well, it kind of looks like you made a little mistake, Ms. Bowen.

[B]

I did not. The car stolen.

[A]

Yes, we understand that, but you gave us the wrong license number.

[B]

1U4 4441. I remember it because of all the fours.

[A]

Harry, I'll call you back. Ms. Bowen, that number's registered to a 1940 Studebaker.

[B]

My license number?

[A]

Well, I don't know. But the one you gave me. Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

19 and 54. Chevrolet Bel Air. Windows that fold down by themselves.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

I understand there must be several hundred cars that look like that. You've seen them before. Well, you act like you've never seen a car like that. There are lots of them around. Mine's light blue with a gold on top.

[A]

We still need the license number. Do you think you have it at home?

[B]

Yes, I guess so.

[A]

All right, fine. If you'll phone it in to us, we can start looking for it.

[B]

Well, how do you expect me to get there, ma'? Am home. How do you expect me to get there?

[A]

We'll have a car drop you off.

[B]

Well, it's about time I was getting some kind of service around here.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

Think I'll write a letter to the papers about this.

[A]

All right, ma'. Am.

[B]

The whole thing, right down to that TMV or whatever it is. Expose the whole mess. Oh, you're gonna be mighty sorry you ever opened this can of beans.

[A]

We're doing the best we can, man.

[B]

Well, that's not very much. Standing around here making phone calls isn't finding my car.

[A]

Well, you said it yourself, didn't you?

[B]

What's that?

[A]

There must be several hundred cars like yours here in the city.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Well, without the right license number, how are we going to find it?

[B]

You ought to be ashamed of yourself, man. You're nothing but a fake.

[A]

What are you, Brent?

[B]

You ain't no detective.

[A]

The business office, room 21. It's open 24 hours a day. But it's after the detective division closes that it begins to work. While patrol units in the city function normally, the men in the business office give advice on booking procedure, policy matters and other police business. They issue pool cars and riot guns. And in the event of an emergency, they act as advisors in an overall plan for the dispersal of policemen. The captain on duty is, in effect, the acting chief of police. On the average weeknight, the activities are slow and routine. But over the weekend, the men involved can expect to handle several hundred phone calls from the thousands put through the complaint board. These calls deal with every crime in the municipal and penal code. In addition to this, they handle the citizen traffic through the city hall. Next door is a report room where statements are taken and forwarded to the captains of the detective divisions for appropriate action. Frank and I checked in at 12 midnight and for the following half hour we did business as usual. At 12:41am we got a hotshot call reporting the sound of shots in the 4200 block on Albany Street. At 1243, the call was changed to a shooting and ambulance follow up. At 12:45, the Hotshot phone rang again. That's shooting. Yeah, it's a homicide now. Gonna call a unit. Better have him check it. Yeah, Same address as the shot. Couple of houses down. This Friday business office, will you put out a call to 1K5, have him cover the shooting and ambulance, follow up at 4289. That's 4289 Albany. You got it? Right. Thank you. Looks like a good one, huh? Yeah. Turns out we'll get Geezy out of bed. That'll make him happy. It'll end up in their last. Hi, Joe Bob. What do you got? You want to sit down there, Pop? Who's he? I don't know. We found a friend of one of the burlesque couches on Main Street. Place was closed. He was just standing out there looking at the pictures. You got a name on him? Mm. Mm. Haven't been able to get him to say anything. You want to give it a try? All right. Go and tell us who you are, old fella. Come on. We want to help you, but there's not much we can do if you won't tell us your name. Doing about as good as we did. Old guy looked pretty wobbly when we stopped. What do you want to do? Well, we'll have to take him over to Georgia State. Wait a minute. You got a wallet? All right, let me look at it, will you? Maybe there's something in here will help us. Yeah, and the money? No, a few cards here. Nothing with a name on it. What's that one there? Something written on the back. Looks like a phone number. Yeah, that's what it is. You want to call and see if they know who he is? Yeah, give it a try. You just sit still right there. Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

Hello, this is Officer Frank Smith, Los Angeles Police Department. No, there was nothing wrong. We have a man here in the office. He's carrying a card with his phone on it. Wonder if you can tell us who he is. Yes, ma'. Am. Well, he looks to be in his late 70s. He's got white hair. That's right. Always wearing a brown wool sweater, black pants, and a black belt hat. That's right. You want to give me that again? No, he's all right. Yeah, that's right. We'll have him brought home right away. Yes, ma'. Am. Thank you. Now we got it. His name's McKinley Dunn. He lives out on Vincent Avenue in Highland Park. Talked to his daughter. She says they got into an argument after breakfast. McKinley here just got up and walked out of the house. She hasn't seen him since. Pretty worried about him. Figures. Tells you he's always kind of independent. Well, better run him home. You want us take over? No, we can't have you out of service that long. I'll call Highland park, have them pick him up. You want to take him over to York Boulevard and make a transfer thereabout? Sure. Thank you. Thank you. All right, Mr. Dunn, here you are. Let's put this back in your pocket. Come on, sir. We'll take you home. Thanks, Joe. It's no trouble. Bob, tell a boy from Highland park to have his daughter put a card in the wallet with all the information on it. Will you make it easier next time? Sure. The card's not going to do any good, Joe. Card's not going to help. Daughter says she always puts one in as soon as the old man gets out of the house. He tears it up. I got it. Business office Friday, huh? Photographer get there? How many? You get the story? Yeah, we'll bring them in. Do what you can. All right, we'll see you then. That's Sam and one K5 on the shooting? Yeah, they got two suspects in custody. They're bringing them both in. Huh? Third man left the scene. Sam says the accidental death possibility is out now. Yeah, it's a clean case of murder. Ten minutes later, the officers in Unit 1K5 arrived with the two suspects. They were identified as Fred and Harriet Purcell. The names were run through R and I, but no record was found on either one of them. It was obvious that the two people had been drinking heavily. The husband was taken to the report room while Frank and I questioned the woman.

[B]

I don't remember too good. Everything seemed to happen so fast. Just all of a sudden there was this kind of noise and Norman was dead.

[A]

Norman? Is that the victim?

[B]

Yeah. Norman Van Creef.

[A]

He must know who had the gun.

[B]

I've been saying that to myself, but it doesn't do anything. I guess I had too much to drink.

[A]

Who else was in the apartment with you?

[B]

What do you mean? Besides Fred and me?

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Just the three of us. That's all.

[A]

We got a report there was another man present.

[B]

Well, then you know more than me.

[A]

All right, you want to give us the whole story?

[B]

You're beginning when?

[A]

From the start.

[B]

Okay. I had a tooth pull this morning. I guess that's what caused all our trouble.

[A]

How's that?

[B]

My tooth was impacted. I had it pulled in a dentist gate. And you saw an overcame you pull it to a Gas. Yeah, right like here. I got home and the novocaine started to wear off. The whole side of my face started hurt terrible. Yeah, Well, I told Fred about was a terrible thing. I tried to tell him how much it hurt. He's a quad. Told me to have a drink and forget it. And it wasn't long before we were having a beef. Oh, Fred, he isn't very bright at times, you know. He just thought I'd have a little sympathy for his wife at a time like that. Not old Fred. He's a quad. Told me to pour myself old Reggie and shut up.

[A]

Was man creep there at the time?

[B]

Yeah. Him and Fred had been playing pinochle when I came home. I guess they'd been at it all afternoon. Norman was on my side. Made Fred mad and we got to fighting pretty good. Norman was right with me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Telling Freddie ought to be quiet. I think Fred was sore about being beat at pinochle. He thinks he's a pretty good player. Long after that, there was a shot and Norman was dead.

[A]

Were you in the room at the time?

[B]

No.

[A]

Where were you?

[B]

Out in the kitchen. I went out to get some more ice.

[A]

Who was in the room when you left?

[B]

Just Fraud Norman.

[A]

No one else?

[B]

If there was, I'd have told you.

[A]

Just a minute. There's office Friday. No, ma'. Am. No, ma'. Am. You'll have to call in tomorrow. That's. Yes, ma'. Am. That's right. What's going here? You know Mrs. Regmond?

[B]

Who?

[A]

Leo Regmond?

[B]

Yeah, what about her?

[A]

She told the investigating officers there was another man in the apartment. Said that he left right after she heard the shots.

[B]

She would always got her nose where he doesn't belong.

[A]

Oh, she's pretty certain about what she saw then.

[B]

Ask her. She saw the man. Let her tell you who he was.

[A]

Well, think it'd be better if you did.

[B]

Then it ain't gonna be good because I don't know.

[A]

Did you hear anybody come into the place when you were in the kitchen? Nope. Pretty sure of that, huh?

[B]

Now, look, I got enough troubles. Me and my old man's in jail. My face feels like it's coming off. I want to get home and get some sleep. If I knew anything, I'd have told you a long time ago. Now leave me alone.

[A]

What did you do after you heard the shot?

[B]

Went in to see where it was, that's all. Just opened the door and look Norman is lying there on the floor.

[A]

Where's your husband?

[B]

Just standing there looking at Norman.

[A]

Where was the gun?

[B]

Flat hat.

[A]

Whose gun is it?

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

You never saw it before?

[B]

I don't like guns. I don't like to have them around. Don't look at them when they are. I never saw it before. You talked to Fred yet?

[A]

No, not yet. No.

[B]

Well, he'll tell you the same story. Same way I told him. You'll see. There's no need to even talk to him.

[A]

Is that right?

[B]

Sure. You already got it the way I told you. What more you want?

[A]

Just one thing I can think of.

[B]

Yeah?

[A]

The truth. You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action. Frank and I attempted to talk to the husband, Fed Purcell. He was too drunk to be coherent. We made arrangements for some hot coffee to be brought in. His wife was taken to the interrogation room to wait until we could fill out the reports. At 4:20am we got another hotshot call regarding a cutting on South 5th Street. The investigating officers found the knifing had resulted from a quarrel between a man and his common law wife. The woman was in critical condition. She was removed to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital and the husband was booked in at the main jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. We notified Chief of Detectives Thad Brown and Captain Lorman of the shooting and the cutting. During the next hour, there were two armed robbery reports, several burglaries and numerous fights. 5:31am Frank went down the hall and brought back two beef and cheese sandwiches and some coffee. At 5:46, we got a call from the men in unit 1K5 telling us that they were on the way into the office with a gun that had been used in the killing of Norman Mancrif. Ten minutes later, two uniformed officers brought in a pair of possible car thieves. One of them was held in the hall while Frank and I talked to the driver of the car, a Melville Hulbert, age 19. Where'd you get the car? I bought it. Where? Well, from a lady. She put an ad in the paper, said she had this year sharp 52 Ford for sale. You remember what paper? Well, no, sir. I think it was one of them morning ones. When did you buy the car? I don't know. Well, you must have some idea. I reckon maybe it was in January. Yeah, around there in January. Let me take a look at your driver's license, will you? Yes, sir. Hey, y' all take it out of the wallet, will you? Oh, yes, sir. Here it is. This your present address, sir. You still live here on Echo Park Boulevard? No, sir, I moved. I got me placed over On Olympics, how long you lived there? You mean on Olympic, sir? That's right. I know. Reckon maybe a couple months. Don't you know for sure? Well, see, I got this here bad memory. I think it's been a couple months. You live with your family? No, sir. They down south. Where's that? New Orleans. They know you're out here? Yes, sir. When'd you come to California? August, last year. Oh, yeah? Last year you got a job? Aircraft factory out in the Valley. Kind of long drive to work for you, isn't it? Yes, sir. But I got a good deal on the place I live at, see? How come you haven't reported the change of address to the Department of Motor Vehicles? Reckon I just forgot. I got this here bad memory, you know? When you bought the car, did you finance it, sir? You buy it on time, you pay cash for it? The cash. You got the pink slip then, haven't you? Lady sold it to me, signed it. Where is it? I don't know, sir. Didn't she give it to you? No, sir. She just told me she was going to send it to Sacramento someplace. Did you get any kind of a receipt for your money? Yes, sir. Well, where is it? In my wallet. Let's see. Yes, sir, I got it right here someplace. Pretty funny about this. What's that? Well, I wouldn't steal no car. It's pretty funny. You think I did all right. Now, how about that receipt? Have you found it yet? Yes, sir. Now, here it is. Who wrote this? Lady sold me the car. Is her name here? Yeah, I guess so. She wrote it. When did you say you bought the car? Around January, I guess. This year, huh? Yes, sir. You sure you couldn't be wrong about the date? Well, now, I don't know. Maybe. Where'd you meet the woman who wrote this receipt? At her place. Where's that? Out in Westwood. I think that's what you call it. Apartment out there. You remember the address? No, sir. Haven't got any idea at all where it is, huh? Well, it was up on Wiltshire. I know that apartment on the second floor. I think it was number B or something like that. I don't know. Great. Yeah. Okay. Now, what'd you make all that big deal about when I bought the car? Date on the bill of sale as a year ago. Well, somebody must have made a mistake. Now, we knew that when you walked in. We're trying to find out who. What do you got, anything? Yeah, checks out names in the book. Less Department D. Yeah. Now, that could be it. I know that was on the second floor. Looks right out on Wilshire Boulevard. All right, Mel, you go over there and sit down. We'll be right with you. It's gonna be okay. We'll see. Now, look, I didn't steal that car, mister. I should have told him about how I moved, but I did not steal the car. All right, you go ahead and sit down with you? Yes. What do you think? I don't know. Seems to check out. Date on the bill of sale. Could be a mistake. Woman might have just written the wrong year. Yeah, it's pretty close to first if it happened. Like to give the kid his first felony booking, don't you? Yeah. What do you want to do? Well, let's hold him over till we can check with a woman, huh? Yeah. Officers gonna be all right? We'll see. You ain't gonna send me to jail? No, not yet. You can wait down the hall, will you now? Long as you know I did not steal the car. We'll check with a woman first thing in the morning. I want to tell you one thing, though. Yes, sir? We're gonna give you a break by not booking you right now. Don't make us sorry about it. Oh, no, sir. Thank you. All right, go on, get out of here. Where's Jimmy? He's down the hall. The officer there will take you. Yes, sir, Officers. Yeah.

[B]

Thank you again, you hear?

[A]

Yeah. You take care of that bad memory, will you? I got headquarters, Smith. Oh, yeah? Yeah. What's the address? No, he's not here. Just a second, I'll check. Policeman out in Hollywood wants permission to kill a skunk. What? Wants to kill a skunk caught in a trap. I guess it's all right if it's the only way they can get rid of it. The way he puts it, it is all right. Go ahead. Yeah. What's that? I don't know. You better check with the watch commander. Yeah, okay. Good night. I got an injured animal report. Turns out the people out there had trouble with skunks. Got a permit for the traps and caught one tonight. Once they had it, they didn't know how to get rid of it. I better make a report on it. Must have been pretty funny, huh? Officer said we could use the skunk in the department. What was that? Officer said we could use the skunk in the department. Says he'd qualify on the target range any day. I get it. Headquarters party. No, no. We got the word. Where you been? Check out with a lamp. 1K5. Yeah. They just picked up a third person in the shooting. Three minutes later, the officers in unit 1K5 brought in a tired looking man in his late 20s. His name was Harry Carnell. He'd been drinking, but he seemed to be in complete control of his faculty. We ran his name through R and I, but we found no record on him. The officers also brought in the murder weapon, a.32 caliber automatic. The check of gun records gave us the name of the store where it had been bought and the name of the owner. According to the registration, it belonged to Fred Purcell. The crime lab reported there were no fingerprints on the weapon. We tried once more to talk to Purcell, but again, we were unable to. We asked Harry Carnell, the latest suspect, to tell us the story of the shooting. I went up to the place to collect some money. Mancri for me. What happened when you got to the apartment? Knocked on the door and Purcell let me in. Who was in the room? Just him and Mancrief. That's all? Yeah. All right, go ahead. I came in and said I had to have the loot and Mancrif told me he was stony. Yeah. He said to check him tomorrow. Purcell guy on his back said he was always Welch. And then the beef started. You mean between them, huh? Yeah. They were both pretty gassed when I got there. You have anything to drink with him? No. No, I had a date, sir. That's what I needed the money for. I got a girl with a pretty big appetite. I was broke and I figured I'd tap Mancreeve for what he owed me. All right. Anyway, these two got in a big beef. Purcell told Mancreef to get out. He wouldn't go. So Purcell ran over to a desk there in the room and hauled out this big gun star to blaze away. How many shots did he fire? Well, one's all I remember. Might have been more, but I didn't spend a lot of time counting. Just one, huh? Yeah. A guy sets a clay pigeon on your head, you ain't gonna stand there. What happened then? Purcell pointed the gun at me, said I should get out too. I didn't feel like telling him he was wrong. During the time you were there, did you see anybody else at all? No. Fred's wife was around someplace, I guess. Why'd he say that? Well, they started yelling at each other. I heard Mancreef say they'd bother Harriet. That's Fred's wife. Harriet. I took off like a big bird. Where'd you go? My place. Had a couple of belts and then walked by the apartment to see what was going on. No broad There. Started yelling about how I was the guy who ran out of the place after the shooting. Next thing I know, I got the collar on. Here I am. What was Purcell doing when you last saw him? Standing over Mancrif, holding the gun, Looking like a cover on a pulp magazine. You willing to sign a statement on what you just told us? Sure. I got no part in this action. Just went to collect a bet at the wrong time, that's all. Pretty lousy night. Missed my date, didn't collect the money, end up in the can. It's pretty lousy. But I'm not the only one, though. Old Purcell always thought he was such a great card player. He's a real fish. He lost six bucks tonight. Well, you're part right, huh? He lost more than that, didn't he, Perry? Carnell was taken to the report room where he made a full statement. At 7:03am Lt. Ray Geese from Homicide Division came in and took over the investigation. Fred Purcell was questioned and he made a voluntary statement that he'd shot and killed Norman Mancrief. He couldn't remember why he'd done it. He was removed to the main jail and booked in on a charge of violation of section 192pc manslaughter. His wife and Carnell were released from custody. We made out reports to all divisions for the follow ups on crimes committed during the night. At 8:02am the men on the day watch came in and relieved us. It's gonna be a nice day. Yeah. Few clouds up there might keep the heat down. Yeah. Let's go. You want to stop for breakfast? Well, I guess we might as well. Yeah. What do you think, Joe? You like to drive the business office for permanent duty? No, sir. Not me, I guess. Okay, once in a while. I don't think I'd like it steady, though, huh? Not busy enough. The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On November 18, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment. The results of that trial, further investigation proved that the purchase of the automobile by Melville Hulbert was legal and no further charges were made. Frederick Neil Purcell was tried and found guilty of manslaughter and received punishment as prescribed by law. Manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period not to exceed 10 years. You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police. Whucker Los Angeles Police Department.