Dragnet: The Big Stop 05/04/1954

Summary

Dragnet: The Big Stop

Episode Release Date: May 20, 2025
Original Air Date: May 4, 1954
Hosted by: Choice Classic Radio
Duration: Approximately 28 minutes

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, titled "The Big Stop," listeners are transported into the meticulous world of Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Frank Smith, as they navigate the complexities of a high-stakes homicide case. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Los Angeles, the story exemplifies the procedural precision and unwavering dedication that Dragnet is famed for.

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Case Overview

The episode opens with Detective Sergeant Joe Friday detailing the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Officer Larry Giraud, a member of the traffic division. The incident occurred at the intersection of Broadway and San Julian, where Officer Giraud was fatally shot by James Krell, a 25-year-old man with a minimal criminal background and a recent desertion from the Army.

Key Quote:
"It was Tuesday, May 13. It was warm in Los Angeles... My name's Friday."
— Joe Friday [02:36]

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Witness Statements

The investigation kicks off with the testimony of Roy Hickok, a pedestrian who witnessed the shooting. Hickok provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the tragic incident.

Key Quotes:
"I saw the whole thing, Officer, right from the beginning. I saw it just about the most awful thing I ever saw."
— Witness (Roy Hickok) [05:43]

"There was a large blood stain on the right side of his chest, and his service revolver was still in his holster."
— Joe Friday [05:51]

Through Hickok's eyes, the sequence of events unfolds: a car abruptly stops at the intersection, Officer Giraud attempts to control the situation, and amid the chaos, Krell pulls out a gun, resulting in Officer Giraud's death.

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Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Detective Friday and Frank Smith delve into the investigation, piecing together evidence and examining alibis. They discover that the car used in the shooting was a dark blue sedan, potentially a Plymouth or DeSoto, and that Krell had reported the vehicle stolen earlier that morning.

Key Quote:
"They made the car was stolen this morning... the owner's report helped us get a full description."
— Narrator [05:54]

The detectives also uncover a crucial piece of evidence: a receipt from a downtown hotel listing both James Krell and Sidney Larson, an ex-convict with a prior felony record. This discovery leads them to the manager of the hotel, who provides limited information due to the establishment's lenient policies.

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Confrontation and Capture

As the investigation progresses, a tip leads the detectives to a rundown house on East 4th Street. The suspect, James Krell, barricades himself in a room on the fifth floor, prompting a tactical response from the police department. Utilizing tear gas and a forceful entry, Friday and Frank confront Krell, ultimately subduing him after a tense standoff.

Key Quotes:
"I'll give you something for free, Krell... You talk a lot, but you don't say anything."
— Joe Friday [19:32]

"I can't breathe. I'll do whatever you say. But I can't breathe. I can't breathe. That gas."
— James Krell [16:11]

Despite Krell's resistance and claims of self-defense, the detectives secure him without further incident, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community.

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Interrogation and Confession

In the aftermath of his capture, Krell is interrogated about his motives and actions. Initially, he maintains his innocence, attributing his actions to a perceived threat from Officer Giraud. However, inconsistencies in his story and overwhelming witness testimony lead to his confession of guilt.

Key Quotes:
"Why'd you do it? I drove up to the signal. I stopped this wise cop come over. Started rousing me about being in the intersection. I told him to shut up. He pulled a gun. It was self-defense."
— James Krell [17:05]

"Any cop. You're all sadist."
— James Krell [17:17]

The detectives expose the discrepancies in Krell's account, solidifying the case against him and leading to his eventual downfall.

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Conclusion and Aftermath

The episode concludes with Krell's death and the resolution of Officer Giraud's condition. The coroner's inquest declares Krell's death a justifiable homicide. Additionally, Krell's stolen weapon is traced back to a series of burglaries, hinting at a broader criminal pattern.

Key Quote:
"The coroner's jury returned a verdict that the death of James Edward Krell was justifiable homicide."
— Narrator [28:15]

The meticulous investigation by Detective Joe Friday and his team underscores the unwavering commitment to justice and public safety that Dragnet epitomizes.

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Notable Highlights

• Procedural Accuracy: The episode showcases Dragnet's signature attention to procedural detail, reflecting realistic police work.

• Character Development: Through interactions, listeners gain insight into the professionalism and empathy of Detective Friday, particularly in his dealings with Officer Giraud's distraught wife.

• Social Commentary: Krell's actions and subsequent interrogation touch upon themes of mental instability and the complex dynamics between law enforcement and the community.

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Significant Quotes with Timestamps

1. "I saw the whole thing, Officer, right from the beginning. I saw it just about the most awful thing I ever saw."
   — Witness (Roy Hickok) [05:43]

2. "I'll give you something for free, Krell... You talk a lot, but you don't say anything."
   — Joe Friday [19:32]

3. "Why'd you do it? I drove up to the signal..."
   — James Krell [17:05]

4. "The coroner's jury returned a verdict that the death of James Edward Krell was justifiable homicide."
   — Narrator [28:15]

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Final Thoughts

"Dragnet: The Big Stop" offers a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also provides a window into the challenges and triumphs of mid-20th-century law enforcement. Through its authentic storytelling and character-driven plot, the episode remains a timeless testament to the pursuit of justice.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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.

[Commercial Voice]

Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield for the the taste you want, the mildness, you want a really refreshing smoke. Buy America's most popular two way cigarette, Chesterfield. They satisfy millions.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. A killer's loose in your city. You don't know who he is or where to find him. You don't know who his victim will be. Your job, stop him. You hear it everywhere. Chesterfield's for me. Here's how television star Robin Chandler puts it.

[Joe Friday]

There's so many reasons why I like Chesterfields. I like the pack, it's smart looking and I like the way they taste. All in all, I'm convinced Chesterfields are.

[Witness]

Best for me and I prefer the regular size.

[Narrator]

Now let's hear from stage and movie star John Hodiak. It's Chesterfield for me, all right. I've smoked them for nine years now. I like a longer smoke, so I go for the king size. They're great. Yes. No king size cigarette satisfies like Chesterfield king size. So join the swing to Chesterfield king. Get the taste you want, the mildness, you want a really refreshing smoke every time. Change to Chesterfield, regular or king size. America's most popular two way cigarette.

[Commercial Voice]

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 trail, 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 Tuesday, May 13. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of homicide detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Lorman. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from handwriting and it was 8:26am when I got to room 42, homicide.

[Witness]

You get it?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Don just finished up. He says the handwriting matches. Victim wrote the note, huh?

[Announcer]

That's it then, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Announcer]

You talked to his wife?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. She's pretty broken up.

[Announcer]

Figures. Ate too fast. I got heartburn.

[Joe Friday]

Well, why don't you take a couple of those Pepto pals or whatever it is and let's get on with this. A lot of work here.

[Announcer]

Hey there's an idea. Never thought of that. Yeah, I got some in my locker over here.

[Witness]

You sure have.

[Announcer]

Last time I bought a big box of them. There must be some left.

[Joe Friday]

Find him?

[Announcer]

Not yet. Yeah, he thinks the husband fits in, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, all the way along the. What are you doing?

[Announcer]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

I said, what are you doing there?

[Announcer]

I found the Peptides.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, but what are you doing with him? There's.

[Announcer]

Oh, putting them together. I must have dropped them sometimes. See, all the pills are all broken up. Trying to put one together, you can't be too careful. Can't take too much. What is this? There. One pill. That's all you're supposed to take. Just one.

[Joe Friday]

I don't understand.

[Announcer]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

How you can come in here, no sleep, upset stomach and feel so good.

[Announcer]

Yeah. You know something, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Announcer]

Suppose I really don't.

[Joe Friday]

You don't, huh?

[Announcer]

No. That ought to be about right, I guess. Does that look like one pill to you?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know, Frank.

[Announcer]

I hope so.

[Joe Friday]

It's too important a decision for me to help you with.

[Announcer]

Oh, Pepto pal. Good for what ails you. Potent, Joe. Real potent.

[Joe Friday]

I just wondered if you were all through now.

[Announcer]

Oh, as soon as I scraped the crumbs away. Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Wait. And here's one you missed.

[Announcer]

Thanks. Only a half gone.

[Witness]

Mm.

[Announcer]

Okay, Part two. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Well, are you all through now? You've had your pill and everything.

[Announcer]

Joe, I took my pill. I've got the Pepto pals all worked out. Now. What can I do for you, hot shot?

[Joe Friday]

I'll get it.

[Announcer]

For us.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Shooting at the corner of Broadway and San Julian.

[Announcer]

Who's the victim?

[Joe Friday]

Traffic officer. We left the office and drove to the scene of the shooting. Traffic at the intersection had come to a virtual standstill 18ft from the northwest corner. Lying in the middle of the pedestrian crosswalk was a uniform traffic officer who was wearing the white cap of the traffic division. There was a large blood stain on the right side of his chest, and his service revolver was still in his holster. By the time we got to the scene, the ambulance had arrived and the wounded officer was being given emergency treatment. Other officers were trying to get the traffic moving again, and additional men were throwing up a blockade around the immediate vicinity in an attempt to apprehend the person who shot the policeman. Captain Lohrman and Chief Detective Thad Brown arrived and took charge of the search. Frank and I checked through the crowd that had gathered, and we found a witness to the shooting.

[Witness]

I saw the whole thing, Officer, right from the beginning. I Saw it just about the most awful thing I ever saw.

[Joe Friday]

Sir, if you'll just give us your name.

[Witness]

Roy Hickok. It's H, I, C, K, O, k.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Mr. Hickok. Now, if you'll tell us what happened.

[Witness]

Well, I was on my way to work, walking down the street. I got to the corner here, Broadway and San Julian. I got to the corner. I stopped for a light.

[Announcer]

Go ahead.

[Witness]

I just stood there waiting for it to be time to cross. All of a sudden, this car come up and slid to a stop. The light changed and he had a stop. He must have been going pretty fast because he went clear out into the intersection. And the officer, the one who was shot, held up his hand. I think that was the only reason the driver didn't run the light. The officer held up his hand.

[Joe Friday]

Roger, go ahead.

[Witness]

Well, the fella stopped, but he was right in the middle of the crosswalk. Everybody had to go around the car, you know, out into the intersection. He was right in the middle, and we all had to go around it. Yeah, well, he just sat there. He didn't make any. Try to back up or nothing. He just sat there kind of waiting for the light to change again so he could get going.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Witness]

Then the officer, the one who was shot, he started to walk over to the fella. I guess he wanted him to back up. Must have been something like that. Wanted him to get out of the way.

[Announcer]

What happened then?

[Witness]

Well, all of a sudden, this guy in the car just started shooting.

[Joe Friday]

Where was the officer when the shooting started?

[Witness]

We hadn't even got to the car yet. He must have been about 10, 12ft from it. This guy pulled out the gun and started powing away point blank. He did it right in the policeman's face. Everybody on the street got panicky when they heard the shooting. Started to run everywhere, yelling, screaming, real panic.

[Announcer]

What'd the officer do?

[Witness]

Nothing. He stood there and looked surprised. And then he tried to get his gun out of the holster, but, well, before he could do it, the fella in the car shot a couple more times and the policeman fell down.

[Joe Friday]

What'd he do then?

[Witness]

You mean the guy in the car?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Witness]

We took off, drove right through the people and drove down San Julian. It's a wonder he didn't kill somebody, the way he drove off. Just didn't care about anybody. Barreled south on San Julian.

[Joe Friday]

Did you talk to the other officers about this?

[Witness]

Well, not too much. Seems like as soon as it happened, there were so many people around, there wasn't much time to talk to anybody. I called down where I worked and I told them I'd be late. I told them to expect me when I walked in. I never did see so many policemen or cars.

[Joe Friday]

Just a minute, will you? Folks, you'll have to get back here, please. Give us a little more room now.

[Witness]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Can you give us a description of the car?

[Witness]

The one the killer drove?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Witness]

Well, you bet I can. I can tell you all about it.

[Joe Friday]

Why would you? Go ahead.

[Witness]

Well, it was a dark colored sedan.

[Narrator]

A blue.

[Witness]

A dark blue.

[Commercial Voice]

Mm.

[Announcer]

What kind of car was it?

[Witness]

You mean the brand?

[Announcer]

Yes, sir.

[Witness]

Well, I'm not real sure about that. It all happened so fast, you know. All of a sudden it was over. I only got a kind of a quick look at it because I wasn't paying much attention to him.

[Joe Friday]

Now, look, folks, you'll have to stay back here, please. Frank, hold him back over there, will you? Now, what kind of a car was it?

[Witness]

Well, I think it was either a Plymouth or maybe a DeSoto, but I'm not sure.

[Joe Friday]

But you're pretty sure about the color, are you?

[Witness]

Oh, yeah, it was blue. Dark blue.

[Joe Friday]

What about the man driving the car? Did you get a good look at him?

[Witness]

Yeah, I guess just about everybody did. You know, sitting out there in the middle of the street like that. Everybody that went by him had a look at him.

[Joe Friday]

Could you give us a description of him?

[Witness]

What do you want to know?

[Joe Friday]

Well, how about the color of his hair?

[Witness]

It was light. Not real blonde, but a light color.

[Joe Friday]

How about his eyes?

[Witness]

Looked like they was blue.

[Joe Friday]

About how old would you say the man was?

[Witness]

I don't know, maybe 24, 25 around in there. He wasn't real old.

[Joe Friday]

Was he clean shaven?

[Witness]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

How about glasses? Do you remember? Was he wearing them?

[Witness]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Was there anything about him that'd make it easier for us to identify him?

[Witness]

I don't think I know what you mean.

[Joe Friday]

Well, was there anything about him, a scar, maybe a birthmark, something like that you might have seen?

[Witness]

Not that I remember. Might have had something like that. But if he did, I don't remember.

[Joe Friday]

Did you have the chance to see what the man was wearing?

[Witness]

Well, just that he had on a white shirt and a jacket. It looked like the ones they issue in the army. You know, kind of windbreaker type, light material.

[Joe Friday]

Did the man say anything?

[Witness]

If he did, I didn't hear it. As soon as he started shooting, it seemed like the roof come off. All the noise, everybody yelling, trying to get out of the way the bullets. If he said anything, I sure didn't hear it.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Now, is there anything else that you can give us on the man?

[Witness]

Well, there is, sergeant, but I feel a little silly about it.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, sir?

[Witness]

Well, it's about the car. I told you, I didn't pay much attention to it. Not at first. Well, after the shooting started, then I got as good a look as I could. I got a pretty good look at the back of it when the guy took off.

[Joe Friday]

Just a minute. I didn't hear you.

[Witness]

I say I got a pretty good look at the back of it when the guy took off. You know, when he went down the street.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Witness]

I feel a little silly because I didn't get more.

[Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Witness]

The license number?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Witness]

I could only get four of the numbers.

[Joe Friday]

The witness was able to give us the numbers. One sugar. One, three, nine. A broadcast was gotten out carrying this information, and a search was started through auto records in an attempt to come up with the owner of the vehicle. Two men were detailed to the Department of Motor Vehicles to assist their men in the search of the files. Meantime, Chief Brown and Captain Lorman had ordered roadblocks to be put up on San Julian and all streets leading to adjoining areas. The one witness, Roy Hickok, was taken to the city hall, and he was shown the mug books. He was unable to come up with an identification on the suspect. 12:40pm Frank put in a call to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital and found that Officer Larry Giraud was still in a critical condition and that he had not regained consciousness. His family had been notified, and a car was dispatched to bring his wife to the hospital. All people in the immediate vicinity of the shooting were interrogated and their statements were taken, but none of them could give us a lead as to the identity of the suspect. 5:27pm Frank and I went back to the office While he checked by auto records, I put in a call to Captain Lorman. Yeah, Skipper? No, no, they're still checking. Yeah, well, Frank's down there now. Yeah, he looked at him, but he wasn't able to give us anything. No, I say he couldn't give us any of it. Last we heard, he was still unconscious. Yeah, that's right. Well, he left word that we're to be called if he comes out.

[Witness]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

No, no. Glindo and McCready are over there. Yeah, she's taking it pretty hard, Joe.

[Announcer]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Just a minute. I got Skipper on the phone. If anything turns up, we'll call you.

[Announcer]

Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Important hold on a minute, will you, Skipper? Yeah, what do you got?

[Announcer]

Well, they made the car. Yeah, it was stolen this morning.

[Joe Friday]

We got a pretty good piece of news. No, Frank just came in. They made the car was stolen this morning. We got in touch with the owner of the car and we talked to him. He told us that he'd noticed that the car was gone from the place where he'd left it the night before and that he filed a report on it immediately. We got a full description of the vehicle and a supplementary broadcast was gotten out. 8:14pm we got a call from Georgia Street Hospital telling us that Officer Giraud had regained consciousness and he could be questioned. Frank and I left the office and drove over to see him. By the time we got there, however, he lapsed into a coma again. We talked to Dr. Sebastian. He told us that he'd removed four bullets from Jerome's body. One of the shots had severed the officer's spinal cord. In the event that he pulled out of it, he'd never walk again. Frank and I talked with Galindo and MacReady. They'd been able to interview the wounded officer, but they hadn't been able to get any additional information from him. As we walked down the hall, we met Mrs. Giraud.

[Ellen Giraud]

Sergeant Friday?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Ellen Giraud]

I'm Ellen Giraud, Larry's wife.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Ellen Giraud]

Do they know yet? Do they know if Larry's gonna be all right?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it'd be better if you talked to Dr. Sebastian, Ms. Gero. I have.

[Ellen Giraud]

He tells me they don't know yet. How can they say that they don't know? Larry's been here for almost 12 hours. They must know something. Why won't they tell me?

[Joe Friday]

We're sorry, Ms. Jarrell.

[Ellen Giraud]

Have you caught the man yet? The man who did this to Larry. Have you got him yet?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma' am, not yet.

[Ellen Giraud]

Then what are you doing here? Why aren't you out looking for him?

[Announcer]

We're doing everything we can, ma' am.

[Ellen Giraud]

But you haven't caught him. You're all running around looking, but you haven't caught him. Well, that's doing a lot of good. It makes me feel a lot better to know that the man who shot my husband is still running free.

[Joe Friday]

We're sorry.

[Ellen Giraud]

That doesn't help, Sergeant. I can't take it home with me and spread out your sorrow in front of my children. They're still going to want to know where their father is. They're still gonna want to have him back. Your good wishes aren't gonna be enough, Joe.

[Announcer]

I'll check the office.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Tell the skipper we're gonna tag Metro division.

[Announcer]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Jerome, we know how you feel. We know what's going through your mind. My partner there was just shot not too long ago. And I've been right here in the same place waiting for a report, too. Just like you. I know what it is to see the doctor come out of a treatment room and not say anything. I know there isn't much I can say to make it easier. But we can tell you this. There are 4,000 policemen in this city. Every one of them is looking for the man who shot your husband.

[Announcer]

Joe. Yeah. The suspect. Yeah, they found him.

[Joe Friday]

The tip had come in from a man who had phoned the complaint board and said that he knew where the suspect was hiding. The man wouldn't give his name. Immediately, two cars were dispatched to. The address was a cheap roaming house on East 4th Street. The manager of the place said that there was a tenant who matched the description of the suspect in a room on the fifth floor. He'd given the name James Krell. When the investigating officers had approached the room, they were met with gunfire. They returned the fire. The building was evacuated and the streets in front of the building were roped off. Several more cars arrived from Metro Division and the building was completely surrounded. Frank and I stopped by the office and picked up tear gas equipment. From what we were told, the suspect had barricaded the door leading into the room with furniture. The only way we had to get him out alive was with gas. Frank and I talked with Captain Lorman and with Chief Brown. It was decided to use a flight right shell and blast through the door. Frank took the gun and we went up to the fifth floor. The halls were empty.

[Announcer]

You all set?

[Joe Friday]

Let's give him another chance.

[Announcer]

All right.

[Witness]

All right, Krell.

[Joe Friday]

We'll give you one more chance to come out of there. Come on, Krell. Open the door and throw the gun out.

[Announcer]

He's not coming out.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

This is the last time around, Krell.

[Witness]

Get out of here, cop.

[Joe Friday]

Get out of here. Leave me alone.

[James Krell]

You try to come through that door and I'll kill you.

[Witness]

I swear I will.

[James Krell]

I'll kill you where you stand.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Frank, let's put the mask on.

[Witness]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

You all shot?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

I gotta go. Should be coming out. Yeah, he's moving that furniture.

[Announcer]

I'll cover this guy.

[Joe Friday]

All right, watch it.

[James Krell]

I'm coming out. I give up.

[Joe Friday]

I quit. Now throw that gun out here. Throw the gun out first and then you Follow it.

[James Krell]

Okay.

[Announcer]

Okay.

[James Krell]

I'm doing what you say. Here's the gun. I quit. Here's the gun.

[Witness]

I got it.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Carl, come on out with your hand behind your head. Come on, move.

[James Krell]

All right, don't shoot. Don't shoot. I'm doing like you say. I'm coming.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on, move down here. Come on, move.

[Witness]

Krell.

[Joe Friday]

All right, this'll do. Now stand still.

[Announcer]

Hands up against the wall.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, Krell. Do what he says.

[James Krell]

I can't breathe. I'll do whatever you say. But I can't breathe. I can't breathe. That gas.

[Joe Friday]

You better get used to it, Krell. What if that cop dies? They won't let you walk out of the room. The suspect was taken to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital for treatment. When the investigating officers had approached the room that he was hiding in, Crow had shot at them through the door. They'd returned the fire and one of the bullets had shattered his left wrist. We got his full name and we ran him through R and I. We found that he had a minor record in California and was at the time a deserter from the Army. His wrist was taken care of and then Frank and I talked to him in the treatment room.

[James Krell]

Lousy deal all the way around.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[James Krell]

Sure. You guys had no right to come up there and shoot off that gas.

[Joe Friday]

We didn't call it lousy deal. Why'd you shoot that officer?

[James Krell]

I thought he was gonna shoot me with self defense.

[Joe Friday]

When they picked him up, his gun was still in his holster and somebody put it back. Why do you want to shoot you?

[James Krell]

Who knows? Who could figure? Any cop. You're all sadist.

[Joe Friday]

Why'd you do it?

[James Krell]

Look, I'll tell you nice and plain. I drove up to the signal. I stopped this wise cop come over. Started rousing me about being in the intersection. I told him to shut up. I don't have to take that kind of talk from nobody. He pulled a gun. It was self defense.

[Joe Friday]

We got a couple of people, saw the whole thing. They tell a little different.

[James Krell]

They're either psycho or else you're paying them off.

[Announcer]

How long you been awol?

[James Krell]

Who says I am?

[Announcer]

The Army.

[James Krell]

I could square that beef with him.

[Joe Friday]

What about that car you were driving this morning?

[James Krell]

What about it?

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get it?

[James Krell]

Belongs to a friend of mine.

[Joe Friday]

A bar owner reported it stolen.

[James Krell]

He must have forgotten. He told me to take it.

[Joe Friday]

What's the friend's name?

[James Krell]

I forget.

[Joe Friday]

Pay you to remember.

[James Krell]

I have a very bad memory.

[Announcer]

Why'd you shoot the Officer, because he.

[James Krell]

Was going to shoot me.

[Announcer]

He just walked up and said he was going to shoot you, Is that it?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[James Krell]

Guys just say this. All you cops are. Put that uniform on. You all think you can boss anybody around. Well, you made a mistake with this one. Isn't anybody bosses me around.

[Joe Friday]

How long you been in town?

[Announcer]

Why?

[Joe Friday]

Answer the question.

[James Krell]

A couple of weeks.

[Joe Friday]

You've been here, Wall, for over six months now. Where you been?

[Narrator]

Around.

[Joe Friday]

Where?

[James Krell]

I like to travel.

[Joe Friday]

Manager of that rooming house says you just checked in this morning. Is that right?

[James Krell]

You talked to her? I didn't.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Where you been staying?

[James Krell]

There goes the memory again.

[Announcer]

Look, you're in trouble, Krell. Talk like that won't do you any good.

[James Krell]

One of those things. I wish I could help you fellas.

[Witness]

But there's nothing I can.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the car?

[James Krell]

From a friend.

[Joe Friday]

What's his name?

[James Krell]

I don't remember.

[Joe Friday]

But he said you could take it.

[Witness]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Then why do you report it stolen?

[James Krell]

Ask him.

[Joe Friday]

We did. He says he doesn't know you.

[Announcer]

Where'd you get the gun?

[James Krell]

Picked it up.

[Announcer]

Where?

[Witness]

Bought it.

[James Krell]

Don't know the name of the store.

[Joe Friday]

It's being checked now. You might as well save time and.

[James Krell]

Tell us you're getting paid.

[Announcer]

What'd the officer say before you shot him?

[James Krell]

Didn't say anything. Just pulled his gun. I was faster. Self defense.

[Joe Friday]

Now, you might think this is a game, Krell. You maybe think you're a big man sitting here. But I want to set you straight. You're in trouble. More trouble than you've ever been in before. We've got at least 20 people who saw you deliberately gunned that cop. They're willing to swear to it in court.

[James Krell]

You know what I think it was?

[Joe Friday]

Well, you go ahead and tell us.

[James Krell]

It was this kind of purple flash. And all of a sudden this cop was laying there. Maybe it wasn't self defense. Maybe it was temporary insanity. Hey, how's that sound? Temporary insanity. He die?

[Joe Friday]

No, not yet.

[James Krell]

Cops and cats. You can't kill him.

[Joe Friday]

You made a pretty good try. All right, mister, on your feet.

[James Krell]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

Come on, let's go.

[James Krell]

We going to jail.

[Announcer]

Get up, Krel.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[James Krell]

You're gonna take me to the gas chamber right now, huh? Do without a trial or nothing. Just lock me up and drop the eggs.

[Joe Friday]

You're awful close to it, mister.

[Witness]

You gotta get me there first.

[Joe Friday]

You're standing in front of it right now.

[James Krell]

I tell you what, I'll give you a 10 to 1. I don't make it.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[James Krell]

Well, I bet you guys would just love to have me make a break, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Now, you listen, Carell. With that arm, we can't put handcuffs on you. But you're still in custody. Don't try anything.

[James Krell]

Well, how about it? You'd like that, wouldn't you? Get your pictures and all the papers. Heroic Cops Kill Criminal.

[Joe Friday]

All right. In.

[James Krell]

Yeah, you guys would really like it.

[Joe Friday]

I'm gonna give you something for free, Krell.

[James Krell]

Oh, yeah? What's that?

[Joe Friday]

You talk a lot, but you don't say. Anything.

[James Krell]

Always happens. Put a guy in a uniform right away. He's a big man. A bum on the outside, but just give him a badge and a suit right away. He's big.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure. Come on.

[James Krell]

Hey, how's about a cigarette?

[Joe Friday]

Here.

[James Krell]

Thanks, John. Match.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, move.

[Announcer]

Car's back this way.

[James Krell]

Wait a minute.

[Joe Friday]

What do you want?

[James Krell]

A cigarette. Not doing me much good without a match.

[Joe Friday]

All right, here.

[Narrator]

Grab him, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Hold it up, Krell.

[James Krell]

All right, Crow. Hold it up.

[Witness]

Hold it up or I'll shoot. It's down.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Announcer]

How about it, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

I guess he was right, huh? That bet about the gas chamber.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

He won't make it.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Joe Friday]

A doctor was called down from the hospital and the suspect, James Krell, was pronounced dead. The body was removed to the county morgue. In going over the dead man's effects, we found a receipt from one of the downtown hotels. There were two names listed on it and a notation to the effect that the rent on room 517 had been paid for a week. The other name on the slip was Sidney Larson. We checked it through R and I, and we found that Larson had a long felony record. In California and had been paroled two months previously. The report came back on the gun that Krell had used. It was among seven revolvers that had been stolen from a hardware store in Tulare on May 6. The other six guns were still missing. We checked with Dr. Sebastian on Officer Giroux condition. We were told that the policeman was still unconscious, but that he had passed the critical stage. Mrs. Giroux collapsed when she heard the news that her husband would never walk again, and she was placed under sedative. 10:48pm Frank and I left the office and drove over to the hotel named on the receipt that we found. It was a rundown place with a potted rubber plant in the lobby. We rang the bell on the counter and waited.

[Witness]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You the manager here?

[Witness]

All right, now I am, yeah. Why?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers want some information.

[Witness]

About what?

[Joe Friday]

Take a look at this. Is that one of your receipts?

[Witness]

Let me take a look. Now, wait a minute. Let me get the lights on so I can see. There's the name right on the top. Sure looks like it's one of ours, don't it?

[Joe Friday]

You recognize the two names on it?

[Witness]

Oh, wait a minute. Yeah. Yeah, I do. Yeah, I recognize him. Good.

[Announcer]

This fellow Larson's, he in now?

[Witness]

Well, I don't know. We don't keep a very close tab on the people who stay here. Service isn't too good, but we don't ask questions. Change the sheets once a week. We don't ask questions.

[Joe Friday]

Is he in?

[Witness]

Well, he might be.

[Narrator]

I'd have to check it.

[Joe Friday]

This is a police investigation, mister. Is Larson in?

[Witness]

I'll check the box. Well, key's gone. Must be upstairs.

[Announcer]

He alone?

[Witness]

Can't say. Might be. I didn't hear nobody go up. But then I don't listen too good.

[Joe Friday]

Show us the room.

[Witness]

You mean I gotta go up with you?

[Joe Friday]

Come on, mister. Let's go.

[Witness]

Look, we got a nice quiet hotel. We don't cause no trouble. There's no reason for you cops to come snooping around.

[Announcer]

You got the pass key?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Witness]

Let's go. Have to take the elevator up. I can't go. The stairs.

[Joe Friday]

All right, go ahead.

[Witness]

Mm.

[Announcer]

Fifth floor, isn't it?

[Witness]

Mm. That's what they paid for.

[Announcer]

How long the two of them been here?

[Witness]

Huh?

[Announcer]

Larsen and Crell. How long they been here?

[Witness]

I'll have to check the book for that. Can't carry those things around in my head. If I did, there wouldn't be no room for the important things.

[Joe Friday]

About when?

[Witness]

Why?

[Narrator]

About.

[Joe Friday]

When did they come in?

[Witness]

Oh, I don't know. Maybe two, three weeks. Around in there.

[Joe Friday]

They got any friends?

[Witness]

Most everybody's got a few friends.

[Joe Friday]

Any of them come around here?

[Witness]

No, not that I've seen. We're not snoopy like some.

[Announcer]

I'll get the door.

[Joe Friday]

All right, which way?

[Witness]

What?

[Joe Friday]

Which way is 5?

[Announcer]

17 to the left.

[Witness]

I don't want no trouble here now, huh?

[Joe Friday]

We're not gonna make any.

[Witness]

Look, this is a quiet hotel. We don't want any of the tenants to get sore. You guys are gonna walk out.

[Joe Friday]

I gotta.

[Witness]

Here. I don't want no trouble.

[Announcer]

Here it is.

[Joe Friday]

Give me the key.

[Witness]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Take that side. Frank.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Look, you stand back out of the way and keep still.

[Witness]

With no trouble now, huh? Please keep your voice trouble.

[Joe Friday]

Said.

[Announcer]

Yeah. Looks like he's asleep.

[Joe Friday]

All right, you take the right side.

[Announcer]

He's got a gun.

[Witness]

Get out of here, cop. All right, come on.

[Joe Friday]

Watch it, Frank.

[James Krell]

Yeah.

[Witness]

All right, now.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, Marshall.

[James Krell]

On your feet.

[Joe Friday]

Get up.

[Witness]

What are you doing in here? You got no right to come in like this.

[Announcer]

I'll check the room, Joe.

[Witness]

What are you looking for? I'm registered. You check my parole officer? He'll tell you I'm clean.

[Joe Friday]

What about the gun?

[Witness]

All right, so I got a gun.

[Joe Friday]

You're next, con, aren't you?

[Witness]

Big deal.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Witness]

Where?

[Joe Friday]

You've been there before.

[Announcer]

Take a look, Joe. Five of them.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Where'd you get these?

[Witness]

You find out, cop. You're getting nothing from me.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on.

[Witness]

Take it easy.

[Joe Friday]

Let's go.

[Witness]

What about Krell? You get him too?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Witness]

You got him in jail.

[Joe Friday]

He's dead.

[Witness]

Krell?

[Joe Friday]

That's right. He tried to make a break and it didn't work.

[Witness]

Poor kid. Didn't know what it was all about. Wanted to be a tough guy.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, and you were gonna show him how, weren't you?

[Witness]

Nice kid. He wanted to be a big man. We had it all planned. It hit the big time. Got the guns. He went out to get a car this morning. That's probably why he killed a cop. Krell got scared. He didn't know. He wanted to be big. He wanted people to talk about him.

[Joe Friday]

Don't worry about it, mister, huh? They will.

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Voice]

On May 19, an inquest was held in the coroner's office. In and for the county of Los Angeles, State of California. 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.

[Commercial Voice]

The coroner's jury returned a verdict that the death of James Edward Krell was justifiable homicide. Sidney Carter Larson was filed on for ex convict with a gun. And upon completion of sentence on that count was released to the authorities of Tulare, California for prosecution on a charge of burglary. 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, Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, Harry Bartel. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

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.