Dragnet: The Big Revision 05/10/1955

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet – "The Big Revision" (Originally aired 05/10/1955)
Date Released: February 17, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Main Theme

This episode of Dragnet focuses on the determined efforts of Los Angeles police detectives to recover over $200,000 in stolen furs and jewelry. The investigation intensifies following the arrest of a prime suspect—who refuses to cooperate—and the search for both the loot and an elusive accomplice. The story highlights the methodical reality of police work, the challenge of extracting confessions, and the pursuit of justice using dogged investigative tactics.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Arrest and Interrogation of Cade Bowen (00:54–02:23)

• Detectives Friday and Smith interrogate Cade Bowen, their main suspect in a recent Bel Air burglary.
• Despite strong evidence, Bowen remains uncooperative and refuses to divulge the whereabouts of the stolen goods or implicate his partner.
• They pressure Bowen, hoping his lack of a previous felony record might encourage him to confess:

  “You go along with us and the judge might take it into consideration.” – Friday (01:48)

2. A New Lead: Informant Tip-Off (03:42–08:56)

• The detectives receive a tip from Emory Docks, an informant, about someone trying to sell fur coats he suspects are stolen.
• The informant describes a suspicious man, Jarvis Dean, trying to unload mink and Stone Martin coats.
• Notable insight into the informant's world and the value of street intelligence:

  “Guy goes around with a couple of grand, furs in his car. He didn't win 'em in a raffle.” – Emory Docks (07:41)

• Detectives get a description of Dean, who is allegedly heading to Palm Springs to offload the stolen goods.

3. Connecting the Dots: Briefing with Captain Bernard (09:33–10:44)

• Friday and Smith report to Captain Bernard, connecting Emory’s lead to their burglary case (the Hendricks loot).
• They discuss the Palm Springs bar "Spanky's," where Dean was last seen.

4. Palm Springs Stakeout: Bar Recon and Blanche’s Interrogation (11:05–17:49)

• The team visits Spanky's in Palm Springs, interviewing staff and Blanche, a woman associated with Dean.
• Blanche, initially belligerent and inebriated, eventually confirms knowing Jarvis Dean and supplies information linking him and Bowen as accomplices.
• Memorable moment as Blanche resists police questioning:

  “Well, I'm the Queen of Sheba. What do you think of that, Mr. Phony?” – Blanche (14:17)

• Blanche reveals Dean returned to LA to “square things” with Bowen, indicating tension between the criminals.

5. Escalation: Dean’s Death and Bowen on the Run (18:03–20:26)

• Captain Bernard reveals that Bowen has been released on a writ.
• A body is found in the desert—identified as Jarvis Dean, killed in a suspicious hit-and-run.
• Police suspect Bowen and intensify the manhunt, circulating bulletins statewide and at the border.

6. Bowen’s Capture and Final Interrogation (20:33–23:17)

• Bowen is apprehended for drunk driving after an attempted escape.
• During his questioning, Bowen refuses to admit any connection to Dean or knowledge of the murder.
• Presented with evidence—traces on his impounded car linking him to Dean’s death and possession of the stolen property—he tries to dismiss their case as laughable:

  “You just take it into court. Try. By the time you get through, the judge and the jury will be laughing.” – Cade Bowen (23:20)

7. Resolution: Justice Served (23:39–24:13)

• Narration confirms Bowen was tried and convicted of first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence.
• Closure is provided with the classic Dragnet sign-off:

  “The story you’ve just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent.” (23:39)

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Notable Quotes

• On the hard reality of criminal investigation:

  “You’re dead, Bowen. Why don’t you admit it?”
  – Friday (01:42)

• On criminal motivation:

  “Guy like that, he don’t do nothing for nothing. Got to be a payoff someways.”
  – Emory Docks (08:48)

• On suspect resistance:

  “You go along with us and the judge might take it into consideration. If we have to ride it up this way, she’ll have to throw the book in your face.”
  – Friday (01:49)

• Comic relief from police work:

  “Well, I’m the Queen of Sheba. What do you think of that, Mr. Phony?”
  – Blanche (14:17)

• On the futility of the crime:

  “Well, it really doesn’t make a lot of difference. You’re never gonna use it.”
  – Friday, about the missing loot (02:46)

• Confronting the suspect with evidence:

  “They found where you had that fender repaired…checked the springs underneath, found traces of fabric. Matched the jacket Dean had on when he was killed.”
  – Friday (23:09)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Interrogating Bowen: 00:54–02:23
• Tip from Emory Docks: 04:25–08:56
• Captain Bernard briefing: 09:33–10:44
• Bar recon and Blanche: 11:05–17:49
• Discovery of Dean’s death: 18:11–19:16
• Bowen’s capture: 20:33–21:55
• Final interrogation and evidence: 22:00–23:29
• Case resolution and Dragnet sign-off: 23:39–24:13

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Engaging Moments & Tone

• The episode captures Dragnet’s signature no-nonsense, procedural tone, with clipped dialogue and sharp, believable police work.
• Human moments—such as Blanche’s outburst, the informant’s streetwise honesty, and the detectives’ persistent patience—add texture and relatability.
• The understated drama, deadpan humor, and deliberate pace evoke the era’s realistic crime storytelling.

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Bottom Line

This classic Dragnet episode is a textbook example of persistent investigation, underworld drama, and the triumph of methodical police work. Through informants, dogged footwork, and forensic evidence, the LAPD team tracks a cold criminal partnership to its lethal end, delivering true crime storytelling at its most authentic.

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]

Dragnet.

[C]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you're about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. After weeks of investigation, a suspect in a burglary is picked up. You've got the evidence for a conviction, but over $200,000 in loot is still missing. Your job find.

[B]

It was Saturday, March 5th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A burglary detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Bernard. My name's Friday. We're on our way back from the cell block and it was 9:45am when we got to the interview room. Felony section.

[D]

I'll get the light.

[B]

Come on in, Bowen.

[E]

Sit down.

[D]

Over.

[B]

You want to smoke? Here's the lights. You want to talk to us this morning? You're not doing yourself any good. This way, Bowen.

[D]

We checked your apartment, Bowen. Found a set of tools our crime lab says are the ones used in the Hendricks job.

[B]

We can put you in the front room of the house. You're dead, Bowen. Why don't you admit it? This is the first time you've been nailed for anything big. You go along with us and the judge might take it into consideration. If we have to ride it up this way, she'll have to throw the.

[D]

Book in your face. Was with you on the job?

[E]

On?

[B]

We know you didn't swing it alone. Somebody had to carry the light.

[D]

Come on. Who was it?

[B]

All right, what about the loot? Where's that?

[D]

That stuff's not going to do you any good in the joint.

[B]

There's over 200 grand in furs and jewelry missing. We know you had it. Now where is it?

[D]

How about it, Bowen? You're just causing yourself a lot of grief.

[B]

Okay, let's go. On your feet. Come on.

[D]

Too bad.

[E]

Copy.

[F]

Is that so? Sure there's nothing you can do to make me tell where this stuff is?

[B]

Not a thing.

[F]

Sure you're never going to find out where it is? Never.

[B]

Well, it really doesn't make a lot of difference. You're never going to use it. Three weeks previously on February 10, two unidentified persons had entered a home in the Bel Air district. They'd taken furs and jewelry valued at over $200,000. The investigation conducted by Burglary Detail had netted one of the suspects. He was identified as Cade Bowen, WMA, 32 years. His arrest record had listed several charges of drunk driving and disturbing the peace. However, he'd never been picked up on a felony before. In spite of our efforts, we've been unable to break him down. He refused to identify the other suspect or to tell us where we could recover the stolen goods. All of his friends and relatives were questioned. None of them could aid us. The case on him was prepared for the District Attorney's office and we continue to look for the other suspect. Monday, March 7, 8:02am I checked into the squadron.

[D]

That's you, Joe. Yeah. Now you're late.

[B]

Couple of minutes. Yeah, I got it. Burglary, Friday. Oh, yeah, Emory. Mm, sure. No, not a sign of it. Well, we'd like to hear it anyway. Where can we meet you?

[E]

Where?

[B]

Yeah, all right. We'll be right over. About five minutes. Right.

[D]

Goodbye.

[B]

Where's Emory? Who? Emory Docks. Says he wants to see us. What about? Some stolen fur coats. Frank and I left the office and drove over to see the informant. We found him in Pershing Square watching a checker game.

[E]

Just a minute, Joe. I'll be with you.

[D]

All right.

[B]

No, no, no, no. Not that one.

[E]

Always. Okay, let's go. Always the same with that guy. Is that right? Yeah, always the same. Set him up that way and he'll jump. Soon as he does, game's over. He can't see it, but it's over. Real pigeon for the setup. You sit over there and talk.

[B]

You know my partner, don't you, Emory? Yeah, sure. Hi.

[D]

How you doing?

[E]

Not too bad. Guess you can't win them all. You sit there.

[B]

What'd you want to see us about?

[E]

Oh, fell over something day before yesterday. Thought maybe it'd make sense for you.

[B]

Mm.

[E]

Met a guy who had some coats for sale. Price he was quoting. Had to be hot.

[B]

Where'd you meet him?

[E]

Bar over on First.

[D]

See a friend?

[E]

Not to make a touch. I see him in the bar once in a while, but he don't ever buy a drink. Other night he got real palsy. Wellsy. I don't know, maybe he was gassed or something. But he sure was friendly.

[B]

You met him in the bar?

[E]

Yeah. He stopped in there with Belt. Before I ate, this guy was there, sitting on the stool next to me. Got the talking. He almost knocked me over when he bought a drink. Right on the floor. He knocked me. One thing led to something else. He asked what I was doing. I said just about anything to turn A buck. He asked me if I had any money I wasn't using. I said I didn't.

[D]

Yeah?

[B]

Said it was too bad.

[C]

Said if I could raise a couple.

[E]

Long bills, he could turn me onto something good.

[F]

The coats.

[E]

Yeah. Yeah. Told me how a friend of his came up with these fur coats. Wanted to dump him. Said the price was real good.

[B]

What kind of coats were they?

[E]

Mink, full length. Had a couple of those scar things, too. He said they were Stone Martin or something. You know, where the skins look like they're biting each other. Yeah, like those. Stone Martin, I think. Guy made a big thing about how the price was right and if I had any loot, I could come out with a big thing.

[B]

Did he say where his friend got him?

[E]

No. Matter of fact, I don't think there was a friend. Coach went his car and now. If I had that kind of merchandise, I wouldn't put it in nobody else's pocket, that's for sure.

[B]

What's this fella's name, do you know?

[E]

Jarvis Dean.

[D]

That's D, E, A, N?

[E]

I guess so.

[B]

What do you know about him?

[E]

Well, not much. I told you, I see him around. He's an angle fella. Always looking for a touch.

[B]

He hold any kind of a job?

[E]

Not so as it would stand out.

[B]

How's he live?

[E]

Oh, off other people mostly. Once in a while he makes a big score and he's popping for drinks all over the place. Couple of days he's blown the wad and he's back on the dole.

[B]

You know where you can find him?

[E]

I can't give you no address. Usually around the bar, mostly. You won't find him there for a couple of days now, though. He said something about going out of town, down to Palm Springs. Something about how he could make a contact down there and unload the coats.

[D]

This Jarvis Dean, ever been arrested?

[E]

Well, I don't know. We didn't spend a lot of time talking about jails. Figures, though.

[B]

What do you mean?

[E]

The way he talks. Some of the people I've seen him with, six, two and even, they can draw your floor plan of the laundry.

[B]

Up at you, give us the name of the people.

[E]

Well, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not. They ain't done nothing to me, and I'd like to keep it that way. Some of them are pretty mean. Well, you understand. It isn't that, I'm afraid. But I don't see no reason to stir nothing up.

[D]

Does Dean say where this contact was at?

[B]

Palm Springs.

[E]

Oh, he mentioned some bar called Spanky's.

[D]

That's all in the town itself, I guess so.

[E]

When I couldn't bring the money to go with him, he kind of cooled off, you know, he stopped being real friendly. I got to thinking about it and figured maybe it'd mean something to you. So? Well, the guy goes around with a couple of grand, furs in his car. He didn't win him in a raffle. Got to be something there. Do you any good?

[D]

I will check it.

[E]

When I first heard about it, I thought it'd do some good right away. I thought of you guys right away. Well, I always like to try and help when I can. No, it works out both ways. Maybe you can give me a hand sometimes. You know, right now what? I could sure use a couple of bucks. Things ain't been going too good.

[B]

Well, that's too bad.

[E]

It's just temporary. It won't last a couple of days. I got a job coming up. Hotel over on Wiltshire. Pearl diving. Guy's been drafted. And I'm in line for the job in just a couple of days.

[B]

Well, I've only got a couple of bucks, Emory. You can have them if it'll help.

[E]

Should you have anything at all.

[B]

There you are.

[D]

Thank you.

[E]

You got a pencil? A what? Pencil. That one I can use?

[B]

Yeah. Here.

[E]

I always like to keep these things legal. You never know. There you are. IOU Pay you back as soon as.

[B]

I start the work. Well, don't worry about it, Emily. No, no, no.

[E]

You gotta do these things up legal.

[D]

Can you tell us what this guy Dean looks like?

[E]

Yeah. You think there's really something to it, huh? Check it.

[B]

Sure.

[E]

Figures he stole the coats. And any reason he'd want to give them away if he didn't? Guy like that, he don't do nothing for nothing. Got to be a payoff someways.

[B]

Well, then he won't be disappointed, huh? There'll be one. Frank and I got the description of Jarvis Dean and the car he was driving. Then we returned to the office. We had the name run through R and I, and we found a record. The mug shot was pulled and shown to Emory Docs. He said it was the man who tried to sell him the coats. We put out a local broadcast on an APB on the suspect and his car. 11:25am Cade Bowen was questioned again, but he refused to give us any information on whether or not Dean was his accomplice in the burglary. At 2:30 that afternoon, Frank and I met with Captain Bernard in his office.

[E]

You think it's the Hendrix loot?

[B]

Should be. We've checked around. There haven't been any other thefts that cover it.

[E]

Got the list?

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

Here. Thanks.

[D]

You can see right there, skipper. Two mink coats, one stole stone. Martin scarf.

[E]

Mm.

[B]

What about the jewelry? Well, he didn't say anything about it. Doesn't mean it's not there.

[E]

Mm. What about this bar in Palm Springs you mentioned?

[D]

Spanky's? Yeah.

[B]

You know anything about it? We know where it is.

[E]

What kind of place is it?

[B]

Resort town bar. What about the reputation?

[D]

Clean.

[B]

We never had any reports about it.

[D]

Uh huh.

[E]

You think that's where they'll turn the stuff?

[B]

Well, we don't know. All we got's the name, someplace to.

[D]

Look, one we've had.

[E]

You can't get anything out of Bourne.

[B]

He won't even admit he's in Los Angeles.

[E]

What he got to say about the evidence?

[B]

Just sits and looks at it.

[E]

In Palm Springs is the only lead you got.

[B]

That's it.

[E]

Okay, trot it down.

[B]

Can you leave right away? I can't. How about you, Smith? Just call Faye.

[E]

That's it. Then go on down there, see what you can find out.

[B]

Be sure to check with their department.

[E]

They might have something for you.

[B]

All right.

[E]

When he'd be back?

[B]

Well, if it works out, should be sometime in the morning.

[G]

Check with me as soon as you get in.

[B]

Yeah?

[E]

Fellow Dean got a record?

[B]

Yeah. Assault, 211.

[E]

Sounds like he might be heavy.

[B]

Possible.

[E]

Well, take it easy, Bill. He's the fellow you're after. He's not going to want to give that stuff up.

[B]

Well, that puts it on our backs. We got to convince him. Frank and I went down to the carpool and checked out a trip car. Two hours later, we pulled into Palm Springs. We talked to the local authorities. They had nothing on Jarvis Dean. As far as they knew, there was nothing wrong with Spanky's bar. We got the address of the place and drove over.

[E]

Yeah? What'll it be?

[B]

Police officers like to ask a few questions.

[G]

LA cops, huh?

[F]

Something wrong?

[D]

We'd like to ask you some questions.

[B]

Sure. Come on back here.

[D]

It'd be easy to talk.

[B]

All right.

[D]

Bob.

[E]

What can I do for you?

[B]

I'd like you to take a look at these pictures. Tell us if you know this man.

[G]

No, I never saw him.

[B]

How about this one? Sure.

[D]

Yeah.

[G]

Yeah, he's been around.

[B]

Is he here now?

[G]

No, he doesn't usually make it this early.

[B]

Seen him at all today?

[G]

He was in this morning around 10.

[E]

In there.

[B]

You know where we can find him. What's he done? Police business.

[G]

Well, just so it doesn't get anybody here in trouble. That guy's a real crackpot.

[B]

What do you mean?

[G]

He's lonely.

[B]

He's good business.

[G]

But if I had my druthers, I'd just assume he stayed away.

[E]

Why is that?

[B]

Well, the way he acts.

[E]

We got a lot of big people coming here.

[G]

You know, the picture crowd.

[E]

A lot of money.

[G]

They like things quiet. They come down here for a rest and that's what they want.

[B]

Guy like that fella, they don't help.

[E]

Alright.

[B]

Sure.

[G]

He gets gassed, makes a big noise. All about how he's buying drinks for the house. The customers don't like that kind of stuff. Drinks aren't bad enough, but he's got.

[B]

To start a pitch. What do you mean?

[G]

I've been trying to set something up.

[E]

Some kind of a deal.

[B]

You know what it is?

[G]

No, I don't pay a lot of attention. I just hear him talking to some of the people. Gets any worse though, I'm gonna have to 86 him.

[E]

Does he come in alone sometimes? What do you mean?

[G]

Well, there's a chick he brings in.

[E]

Once in a while.

[G]

The two of them just sit there and drink.

[D]

You know her?

[G]

Why, is she in trouble?

[D]

Do you know her?

[G]

Yeah, her name is Blanche. She lives down here.

[D]

She?

[B]

Or she was. When?

[E]

About half an hour ago.

[G]

Said she was going out to get something to eat.

[E]

She'd be back.

[B]

You know where she went?

[E]

No.

[G]

Half a dozen places inside a block she could have gone. You want to talk to her, the best thing would be to wait right here.

[D]

All right.

[G]

She was carrying a real load when she walked out.

[B]

I hope that food helps her. He said she lives down here?

[G]

Yeah, she's got a place out the.

[E]

South end of town.

[B]

What'd she do for a living?

[E]

Well, I don't know.

[G]

I don't think she's got a job. Seems I heard her say she was divorced. Probably got a chunk of dough from her own man.

[B]

She and this fella pretty friendly.

[G]

You mean the guy in this picture?

[B]

Yeah, I guess you could say that.

[E]

Most of the time they're together.

[B]

How often is he here?

[E]

Oh, he comes in the place almost every night.

[G]

You know, when he's in town.

[B]

Is that quite a bit?

[E]

Yeah.

[G]

Three, four days a week.

[B]

You ever hear what he did for a living?

[G]

No, I don't think he works steady.

[E]

Hey, there's your girl now.

[H]

All right. Want me to drink? Huh?

[F]

Yeah.

[G]

Blanche, a couple of fellas here want.

[E]

To Talk to you, huh?

[H]

That's all. Bring them on. I always like this house of fellas. If they're friends of yours, old bud, I know they're okay.

[G]

Yeah, sure bunch.

[H]

You see them? Hey, now, they're pretty nice looking, you know that, fellas, you're pretty nice looking.

[B]

Wonder if we get to a booth. Might be a little easier to talk to you.

[H]

All the same to you. I'll talk right here. I won't say a thing. What's your name, honey?

[B]

Friday.

[H]

Say, that's a funny name. Tight today, huh?

[B]

That's right. My partner, Frank Smith. I do.

[H]

Oh, come on now. Don't try to pitch that at me, Smith. Phony if I ever heard one. Hey, Bart.

[E]

Yeah, Blanche?

[H]

That drink I here all night, you know.

[B]

Think you had enough of that?

[H]

No, you just keep your biggie up shot.

[G]

You better take it easy, Blanche.

[H]

Take it easy nothing. Ain't no fellow name like Friday and Smith going to tell me not to have a drink. A couple of phoneys, that's what they are.

[B]

Settle down now. We're police officers.

[H]

Oh, yeah? Oh, yeah? Well, I'm the Queen of Sheba. What do you think of that, hmm? What do you think of that, Mr. Phony?

[E]

Come on, Blanche, you better quiet down.

[H]

Don't yell at me, you bartender. If you had any class at all, you keep these mashers out of here. The fine, lousy bar you're running.

[B]

Let's go outside.

[H]

Lady, you just try and take me out there. Come another step, I'll knock your head off.

[G]

Blanche, please, honey, take it easy.

[B]

All right, miss, you said enough. Now let's go outside.

[H]

Oh, sure. You got a big picture of that. Me going out there and you two can gang up on me. No, that's n o. I ain't going no place with you.

[D]

You got it wrong.

[H]

I have, have I? Well, I just showed you. Help. Please. Please, help.

[D]

We are the police.

[H]

You are another cop. Help. Please.

[B]

Sit down.

[H]

All right. He's all right. I know what. I'm late. You have to shove me around anymore. You just leave me alone, that's all. Just leave me alone.

[D]

You got some hot coffee?

[G]

Yeah, sure.

[E]

I'll get it.

[D]

Bring it back to this booth here, will you?

[B]

Come on. Everything's gonna be all right, lady.

[H]

No, it isn't. Not ever again.

[F]

Not ever.

[B]

All right, sit down there. There's a handkerchief.

[H]

I never did anything like that before.

[B]

That's all right.

[H]

I guess I'm arrested.

[B]

Not yet.

[H]

I didn't mean anything by it. Nothing. Just I didn't Know you guys. And I was a little drunk. Just all of a sudden I wanted to hit something. I thought just hit something. You were handy.

[D]

Here's your coffee. Thanks. You want cream or sugar?

[B]

No.

[H]

What?

[D]

Anything I can do for you?

[E]

No, that's all. I'll be up front.

[D]

Up there.

[E]

It's fine.

[D]

Go ahead, miss. Try the coffee. Might make you feel better.

[B]

Oh, man.

[H]

Hot. I'm too sorry about hitting you.

[B]

That's all right.

[H]

Really. It's nice of you to say so. What were you gonna ask me when all this started?

[B]

You wanna take a look at this picture here and tell us if you know the man?

[H]

Sure. I guess I owe you. That is the guy?

[D]

Yeah, that one.

[H]

Sure. It's Jarvis.

[D]

Last name Dean.

[H]

Yeah.

[B]

What do you know about him?

[H]

Guy had a couple of drinks with him.

[B]

You know where he is?

[H]

Not now. On this morning. Had a cup of coffee. Haven't seen him since then.

[D]

He's still in town?

[H]

I don't think so.

[D]

You know where he is?

[H]

No. Tell you run up to LA on some business.

[B]

He say what kind of business?

[H]

We hadn't talked much about that.

[D]

You got any idea where Dean was going in la?

[H]

He didn't give me an address.

[B]

You say when he'd be back?

[H]

Uh. Oh, that's what we had the beef about. He just shoved off. Said something about me and the guy up there. Said this fella's in some kind of trouble and he had to try and square it.

[B]

You say who it was?

[H]

Let's see. I'm not sure I can remember.

[B]

It's pretty important.

[H]

Now, wait a minute. Oh, yeah, yeah.

[E]

Bowen.

[H]

I see a guy named Bowen.

[B]

You say what it was about?

[H]

No, not that I can remember. Told me that he and this Bullen guy were on a deal together. Bullen loused it up. Said he had to take care of him.

[B]

The description of Dean's car that the girl gave us matched the one we'd gotten from our informant. We checked the room he'd occupied in Palm Springs. We talked to the local authorities. They agreed to check further on the suspect. Frank and I left for Los Angeles the following morning. We contacted Captain Bernard.

[E]

It all goes together, huh? You better find him fast. Why? Something wrong? I don't know, but it could happen.

[B]

What do you mean?

[E]

Bowen was released on a writ last night.

[B]

Additional bulletins were gotten out on both men. Bowen's house was put under surveillance and all of his known hangouts were watched. Two days passed without word. Then on Thursday, March 10, at 10:57am Frank and I Got back to the office from checking out a lead.

[E]

Ready?

[D]

Yeah. Note in the book for you. Important. Thank you. What is it?

[B]

Supposed to call the Sheriff's department.

[D]

H Wonder what it is.

[B]

I don't know yet. We'll find out.

[D]

Well, I didn't figure you would, Joe. Not until you made the call. Just wondered what it was.

[B]

Dave Cherry, please.

[D]

Well, Dave.

[B]

Joe Friday. No, we haven't where. Any idea when that happened?

[H]

No.

[B]

We better come over and see you.

[E]

Right. Bye.

[B]

We're in trouble. What do you mean? I don't know. They found a body out in the desert this morning. Looks like it was a hit and run.

[D]

Bowen?

[B]

No, Jarvis Dean. Frank and I left the office and went over to the hall of justice where we met with Sergeant Dave Terry. He showed us the photographs taken at the scene and the reports filed by the officers who discovered the body. From the appearance, it had been struck by a car traveling at high speed. A thorough search had been made of the area, but no trace of Jarvis Dean's car could be found. There was no apparent explanation as to how he'd gotten out on the desert. Another local on an APB was gotten out asking that Cade Bowen be picked up for questioning on suspicion of murder. A week went by. There was no word of the suspect. Border stations had been alerted in the event he tried to escape into Mexico. Checkpoints at the California, Nevada border had descriptions of both the car and the suspect. Saturday, March 19th. Frank and I got back from the stats office.

[D]

Well, that's another dead end.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

What you now?

[B]

I'll go and check with the skipper, see if he's got any ideas.

[D]

All right.

[F]

Come on.

[D]

Here.

[E]

Where you been?

[B]

Been looking for you. Stats office. They just finished a run. They didn't come up with anything.

[F]

You don't need it, huh?

[E]

You got half the country looking for Bowen and he's in your pocket.

[B]

What do you mean?

[E]

Main jail picked up last night in 502.

[B]

Gabe Bowen had been picked up the night before at the corner of 7th and Hill Streets. He'd been observed by a radio car driving in an erratic manner and had refused to stop when the officers directed him to. After a 10 block chase, he'd been halted. But when the officers asked to see his identification, he told them he didn't have any. He was taken to the main jail and booked on charges of drunk driving. A check of his fingerprints had revealed his name and we were notified his car had been impounded and the crime lab was going over it. We had the suspect brought to the.

[F]

City hall what is it this time? I held up the Federal Reserve.

[B]

All right, come off it, Bowen. You know where you're sitting. Now, this is the last time around for you.

[F]

Yeah, I've heard that before.

[B]

You won't hear it again.

[D]

Where you been for the last week?

[F]

Sleeping.

[B]

All right.

[D]

Where?

[F]

Any place I could find a soft mattress. Hey, you guys ought to pull some strings and get some new bedding over the main jail. Those bunks are hard.

[B]

Sure. You know a man named Jarvis Dean?

[D]

Hm?

[B]

Jarvis Dean.

[D]

Do you know him?

[E]

Might.

[D]

That's no answer.

[F]

That's the best I can do.

[B]

Look, mister, we're getting tired of playing with you. You're in trouble, and it doesn't come in any bigger sizes. Now, I'm not gonna tell you to play it smart because you wouldn't know what I was talking about. But you snap to and answer these questions. Now, do you know Jarvis Dean?

[E]

I met him.

[B]

When'd you see him last?

[F]

Couple weeks ago.

[B]

We understand he was with you on the burglary.

[D]

It's a fairy tale. We got it straight.

[F]

I didn't know you listened to gossip.

[B]

Where'd you get the car you were driving last night?

[D]

I bought it.

[B]

From who?

[F]

Used car dealer.

[B]

Well, then you tell us why it's registered at Jarvis Dean.

[F]

Oh, I don't know anything about that.

[B]

Last time we talked to you, it.

[E]

Was for a burglary beef.

[B]

It's a lot more serious this time.

[F]

That's so.

[E]

That's right.

[B]

Suspicion of murder.

[F]

Who'd I kill?

[B]

Jarvis Dean.

[D]

You're out of your head.

[B]

We always are. Now, tell us why he'd let you drive his car.

[F]

I don't know if it is his car.

[B]

Apartment of motor vehicle says it is. We checked it.

[D]

All of the stolen merchandise was found.

[F]

Now, you got no right to go through my things.

[D]

Last time we heard of the stuff, Jarvis Dean had it.

[B]

What's the matter? Did you have a fight about what.

[E]

To do with it?

[D]

Maybe you got sore because he was letting you carry the beef yourself.

[B]

Is that what happened? Come on, Bowen, you're boxed in.

[F]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[B]

Now, let's check the office, see if there's any word from the crime lab.

[E]

I'll do it then.

[F]

Tell you what, cop. You win.

[B]

I'll tell you about Dean.

[E]

I don't know anything about him.

[F]

I'm talking about the burglary.

[B]

Yeah, I did it.

[E]

You don't have to go any further.

[B]

No deal. We got you on something bigger. I think we can make that hold up.

[F]

Look, I'm willing to cop out to the other.

[E]

How'd you do?

[D]

Well, here's the report.

[B]

Well, that wraps it up.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

All right, Bowen, let's go, huh? We don't have to talk to you anymore. The crime lab just finished going over the car.

[I]

Yeah?

[B]

They found where you had that fender repaired.

[F]

Well, some drunk ran into me.

[B]

They checked the springs underneath, found traces of fabric. Matched the jacket Dean had on when he was killed.

[D]

We got enough to make you on it.

[F]

You can't prove I was driving the car. Now. There's no way you can prove it.

[B]

We think we can.

[D]

Go ahead.

[F]

You just take it into court. Try. By the time you get through, the judge and the jury will be laughing.

[B]

All right? Sure.

[F]

They'll tell you how far out you are. They'll laugh right in your face.

[B]

They'll tell you something, too. Yeah, and they won't be laughing.

[C]

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

[I]

On July 16, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. Cade Neil Bowen was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree and received sentence as prescribed by law. On recommendation of the jury, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the state penitentiary, San Quentin.

[E]

You have just heard Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action. And starring Jack Webb, a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio.