Dragnet: The Big Student 06/08/1954

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Dragnet: The Big Student (06/08/1954)

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Dragnet: The Big Student," listeners are immersed in a gripping narrative that showcases the meticulous work of detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith. Set in Los Angeles during the mid-1950s, the story unfolds as the detectives track down a serial bank robber, Louis Rote, whose criminal activities have been plaguing the city.

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Case Overview

The episode begins with Detective Sergeant Joe Friday introducing the case:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.” [00:00]

Friday and his partner, Frank Smith, are assigned to investigate a string of bank robberies committed by a suspect known as Louis Rote. The investigation kicks off on Thursday, July 25th, amidst the warm Los Angeles weather.

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Initial Investigation

Upon arriving at the scene of one of the robberies at 896 Duane St., Friday and Smith find the place deserted:

“Nothing home. Yeah. You seeing that window? No. Can't see anybody moving around in there now.” [00:42]

Their search leads them to Ms. Viola Clark, who appears nervous and cooperative. Viola introduces herself as Louis Rote's half-sister, providing crucial background information about him:

“Louis had about a hundred books... He built a case for them out in the garage out of apple boxes.” [05:27]

Viola shares insights into Louis's past, revealing his first arrest ten years prior and his recent bank heists spanning from June 11 to July 23, each time managing to elude capture despite positive identifications from victims.

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Gathering Evidence

Friday narrates the progression of the investigation, highlighting key events:

“July 24, we talked to a cab driver who had driven the suspect away from the latest holdup. He was able to give us an identification of the suspect.” [06:04]

Despite extensive efforts, including APBs and area checks, Rote remains elusive until a pivotal robbery on Friday, July 26, occurs at a bank on Hollywood Boulevard, bringing them closer to apprehending him.

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Interaction with Key Witnesses

The detectives interview a cab driver, whose testimony becomes instrumental. The driver provides a detailed description of Rote, including a distinctive mole on his left cheek:

“He had a kind of a mole on his face, right by his mouth.” [08:50]

This physical trait becomes a vital identifier that helps in confirming Rote's identity during a subsequent altercation at a local bar.

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The Arrest

The tension escalates when Rote causes a disturbance at a bar on Sunset Boulevard, leading to an intense confrontation. Frank Smith recounts the chaotic scene:

“Door swings open and in comes this guy... walked over and sat at the bar... next thing I know, the place is coming down around me.” [12:27]

Using the previously gathered description and evidence, Friday and Smith successfully identify and arrest Louis Rote. The arrest scene is detailed with precision, showcasing Dragnet's commitment to procedural accuracy.

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Legal Proceedings and Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rote's legal consequences:

“Albert Rote was tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree, four counts and violation of section 4530 PC escape... By the time we'd gotten there, a police unit had arrived and the disturbance was under control.” [25:16]

Rote is sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment term, highlighting the effectiveness of the detectives' relentless pursuit of justice. The episode wraps up with reflections on the challenges faced and the personal toll on the detectives:

“You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action.” [25:41]

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Key Takeaways

• Thorough Investigation: The episode underscores the importance of detailed evidence collection and witness interviews in solving crimes.

• Persistence Pays Off: Despite initial setbacks and the suspect's evasive tactics, continuous efforts by the detectives lead to a successful resolution.

• Human Element: Insights into Rote's personal life and his relationship with his sister add depth to the narrative, illustrating the complexities behind criminal behavior.

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Notable Quotes

• “Well, it's better if we talked to him about it, ma'am.” – Joe Friday [05:02]

• “You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action.” – Frank Smith [25:41]

• “I thought he was gonna hit me up for a loan, the way he acted and all.” – Frank Smith [19:37]

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Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Student" offers a compelling portrayal of police work during the Golden Age of Radio. Through the diligent efforts of Detectives Friday and Smith, listeners witness the unraveling of a complex case marked by persistence, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to upholding the law.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

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. Dragnets, you're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. A hold up man has been hitting the banks in your city. After two months of following down leads, you get a possible identification. Your job. Check it out. It was Thursday, July 25th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith, the boss of chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. We were on our way out from the office and it was 10:42am when we got to 896 Duane St. Front door. I'll get it again. This is. Nobody home. Yeah. You seeing that window? No. Can't see anybody moving around in there now. Let's try the back. Right around this way? Uh huh. Hey. Sure pretty, isn't it, Joe? What's that rose tree there? Bella Portugal. Sure pretty. What? Faye's got one started out by the back fence. Isn't that big, but we got roses on it already. What'd you call it? One of those Bella Portugal rose trees. I'll pick a couple for you. Bring them in the office. Thanks, Frank. I don't know what I do with them. Do you? Well, you can give them to Ann. She'd like them. Yeah, I get it. See anybody? No. Looks like there's someone on the lawn chair over there, doesn't it?

[Frank Smith]

Ms. Clark?

[Viola Clark]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

Who is it? Yeah, come on. You Ms. Viola Clark?

[Viola Clark]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

Police officers. Ms. Clark, this is Frank Smith. My name is Friday.

[Viola Clark]

Well, how do you do?

[Joe Friday]

How you do?

[Viola Clark]

What can I do for you?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to ask a few questions about Louie. Yes, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

Would you mind talking inside? I'd rather the neighbors didn't know all my business.

[Joe Friday]

All right, sir.

[Viola Clark]

We can talk in there without anybody hearing.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am. Sure.

[Viola Clark]

Beautiful morning.

[Joe Friday]

Hot.

[Viola Clark]

We're planning a little trip down to the desert this weekend. Get some rest and a little sun.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

Trying to get a tan before then. Looks funny.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Viola Clark]

Just go on through the kitchen. We can talk in the dining room.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Thank you.

[Viola Clark]

I just feel funny going to a place where there's a swimming pool and sitting there without a tan. Don't you?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

Well, I. I do Anyway, it makes me feel self conscious, like.

[Joe Friday]

I see, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

Well, just go on in and sit down. I'll. I'll get us something cold to drink.

[Joe Friday]

No, that's all right, Miss Clark. Thank you.

[Viola Clark]

How about you, Mr. Smith?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

Well, I'm going to have something. Bill, that's my husband, brought me a case of that new kind of drink. You know, without any calories.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

All kinds of flavor is supposed to be for people who are supposed to reduce. Of course, I don't really need it, just that Bill bought it and all.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Viola Clark]

Sit down.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Viola Clark]

Now, what was it about Louie.

[Joe Friday]

He's your brother, is that right?

[Viola Clark]

Well, yes, actually, he's my half brother. You see, his father died and our mother remarried.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Viola Clark]

He's my half brother.

[Joe Friday]

When did you see him last?

[Viola Clark]

Oh, let's see. I guess it was before the trouble I'd make about 10 years ago.

[Joe Friday]

You heard anything from him since?

[Viola Clark]

Oh, a couple of times. Different people have told me they saw Louie. Always sent his best.

[Joe Friday]

But you haven't talked to him?

[Viola Clark]

Well, no, not in 10 years. Would you excuse me a minute? I forgot the bottle opener.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

When Louis got into trouble, we sort of stopped seeing each other. I tried to write to him when he was in prison, little talky talk letter, but they just seemed to separate us more.

[Joe Friday]

What was that again, ma' am? I didn't hear you.

[Viola Clark]

I. I said that I tried to write to him when he was in prison. Sort of a, you know, a talky talk letter. But, well, they just seemed to separate us more.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Did you see him when he was in prison?

[Viola Clark]

No, it was during the war. And I was pretty busy with other things.

[Joe Friday]

Uh huh.

[Viola Clark]

Bill, my husband, was overseas and I was writing to him, sending him little things. Just never seemed to get around to seeing Louie. I. Oh, I thought about it, but just never quite seemed to get to it. It's a new flavor. Pineapple papaya. Kind of tangy. You sure you don't want any?

[Joe Friday]

No, no, thank you.

[Viola Clark]

Oh, that's good. I've got some little crackers, low calorie. Would you like some of them?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma' am, thank you.

[Viola Clark]

Well, when Louie got out of jail, I heard he went back east. Salt Lake, I think. Got a job with a paint store back there. Did pretty good. Something happened, though. He quit or got fired or something. Anyway, he came out here again.

[Joe Friday]

Do you have any idea where your brother might be staying?

[Viola Clark]

No. Last I heard, it was in some furnished room down on Pico.

[Joe Friday]

Would you have the address?

[Viola Clark]

I'm afraid not.

[Joe Friday]

Do you have any idea where we might be able to get it? Not the least.

[Viola Clark]

What's he done this time?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it'll be better if we talk to him about it, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

It seems to me I'm his sister. You should be able to tell me. I'm certainly going to cooperate with you.

[Joe Friday]

I think it'd be better if we talked to him, though.

[Viola Clark]

That's the way you're going to handle it? There's not much I can do.

[Joe Friday]

Did your brother have any hobbies? Anything that he might try to work at?

[Viola Clark]

No, not that I can remember. Well, when he was a kid, I think he used to collect stamps. But then I guess every boy does that. Mostly, though, he used to read a lot. Always had his nose in a book. Had a big collection of those books you could buy in the five and dime. You know, the little thick ones.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I kind of know what you mean.

[Viola Clark]

I guess he had just about every one that was ever published. There was a big thing with the kids in the neighborhood. Well, Louis had about a hundred. All different stories. He built a case for them out in the garage out of apple boxes. I remember that. Out in the garage.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am.

[Viola Clark]

Had a library going. Little cards and everything. Charged the kids 2 cents to read the book. Real going business. Oh, he was a funny kid. Always trying to figure out how to get somebody else to do the work for him. He say that if he had his way, he'd get what he wanted without really working for it. Wonder if being in jail made him change. If he still feels like that, that he can live the easy way.

[Joe Friday]

He's still trying. 11:31am we left the house and continued checking out the friends and relatives of the suspect. Louis wrote. According to his book, he'd been arrested for the first time 10 years previously on charges of 459 burglary, five counts. He'd been sentenced to San Quentin. He'd been released four years previously. On June 11, he walked into a bank at the corner of Reservoir and Montana streets and robbed the place of eleven hundred and eighty dollars. He'd hit again on June 19, July 12 and July 23. In each instance, the victims were shown mud books, but they were unable to make a positive identification. On July 24, we talked to a cab driver who had driven the suspect away from the latest holdup. He was able to give us an identification of the suspect. But when we checked the area where Rhode had left the cab we were unable to come up with additional information. The other victims were shown Roach's picture and all of them made a positive identification. Locals and APBs were gotten out on him and all places he was known to frequent were checked. Still, we couldn't take him into custody. Two days passed while we looked for the suspect. On Friday, July 26, the bank located on Hollywood Boulevard was held up for $1,800. The suspect matched the description of rope from one of the people in the vicinity. We got the number of the cab the suspect was supposed to have taken. We got in touch with the traffic manager of the cab company and got the name and stand number of the driver. 9:20pm Frank and I drove out to see him.

[Cab Driver]

Car?

[Joe Friday]

Hollywood and Loma Linda. That's right. Bank New there.

[Cab Driver]

What time was it supposed to be?

[Joe Friday]

The way we got it, about five tonight. That's right.

[Cab Driver]

I don't recall the guy. You sure it was me?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we got the number of your cab.

[Cab Driver]

I've been pretty busy there. Let me check the way, Bill.

[Joe Friday]

All right, I'll take a look here. Yeah. Yeah, here it is.

[Frank Smith]

Loman, Hollywood.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you drop the fare off?

[Cab Driver]

2,000 block on Sunset.

[Joe Friday]

That'd be near Echo Park. Yeah. Can you tell us anything about the man?

[Cab Driver]

No. Like I told you, I've been pretty busy tonight.

[Joe Friday]

That's pretty important.

[Cab Driver]

Well, what kind of things you want to know?

[Joe Friday]

Well, what'd he say to you when he got into the cab?

[Cab Driver]

Oh, not much. Seems to me he just told me to drive right down Sunset and then he'd tell me where to let him out.

[Joe Friday]

Was there anything about him that stood out? An accent maybe? Scar, birthmark?

[Cab Driver]

No, it doesn't seem to me that there was. I. I could only get a glimpse of him in the rear view mirror. He was kind of sitting off to one side, kind of hard to see.

[Joe Friday]

You don't remember anything about him then, huh?

[Cab Driver]

No. Nothing to help you say where he was going? Well, not that I remember. Just told me to drive right down Sunset until he told me to stop.

[Joe Friday]

When he got out of the cab, did you see where he went?

[Cab Driver]

I didn't notice. He said something about getting a drink and asked me if I could name.

[Frank Smith]

A good bar for him.

[Joe Friday]

Did you?

[Frank Smith]

I couldn't.

[Cab Driver]

I don't know the neighborhood very well. I told him they were all probably pretty good.

[Joe Friday]

Did he seem drunk to you?

[Cab Driver]

Well, he had more than a couple. I can't tell you how many. You know, some guys can hold more than those without showing it. Yeah, well, he was like that. Hard to tell how many he'd lifted. Say something might help. I just thought of it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, what's that?

[Cab Driver]

He had a kind of a mole on his face, right by his mouth.

[Joe Friday]

On which side? Do you remember?

[Cab Driver]

Well, let me think now. I was looking at him in the mirror. He was on his left side. Mirror shows things on the side. That there?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Cab Driver]

Yeah, it'd be on his left side. Yeah, I always get mixed up like that, you know. You know, when you look in the mirror, if you got something on the right side of your face, it's on the left side of the mirror.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Cab Driver]

Well, I was looking him, so it'd be on the same side as I saw. Yes, there was a left side.

[Joe Friday]

Where was the mole? Right here. Right by the upper lip.

[Cab Driver]

Not real big, so as you notice it right off. Yeah, I forgot about it until just.

[Joe Friday]

Now when he paid the cab bill. What'd he use?

[Cab Driver]

You mean the size bill he gave me? Yeah, a 20, I think. I got it right here.

[Frank Smith]

Real new.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Cab Driver]

Yeah, here it is. He had a whole fistful of bills just like this, all brand new. I asked if he's going on a trip. You know, people draw a lot of money out when they're going to take a trip. I figured maybe that's what he was going to do.

[Joe Friday]

What'd he say?

[Cab Driver]

Well, he said he wasn't. Said he just made a withdrawal from the bank, but he said he wasn't going away.

[Joe Friday]

Well, he's wrong there, huh? As soon as we find him, he is. The cab driver identified Roach mug shot. And at 1008pm Frank and I drove over to the 2000 block on Sunset Boulevard. We checked at several bars, but we were unable to find the suspect. One of the bartenders said he thought that a man answering Roach's description might have been in, but he couldn't be sure. In each of the places we left our card and we asked the owner or the bartender to notify us if the suspect should come in. 12:26am Frank and I checked back into the office. You want to check the book? I'll sign us out. All right. Anything? Yeah, we got a message here from Faye. Yeah? He wants you to stop by the drugstore and pick up a refill. Prescription for the baby. Says she's already called him. You just have to pick it up. Oh, well, that blows the coffee. Well, I ought to get home anyway. I'd like to get a good night's sleep. All right. See you in the morning, old buddy. All right. You gonna have breakfast at home? I don't know. If Faye was up half the night with the kids, might be better if I'd let her sleep. Well, why don't you meet me at that dairy place? Good deal. About seven, huh? That'll be fine with me. All right, Go on ahead. I'll get the lights. Sir. Hold on, I'll get it. Robbery Friday? Yes, sir. No, sir. We're the ones. How long ago was that? I see. Right away. What do you got? Bar out on Sunset. Yeah. Suspects there now, tearing the place up. We left the city hall and we drove over to the bar on Sunset Boulevard. By the time we'd gotten there, a police unit had arrived and the disturbance was under control. The suspect had left the scene and the broadcast was put out to all cars in the area carrying his description and the description of the clothing he was wearing. When we walked into the bar, the bartender was sitting at one of the tables in the back of the place, holding a stake to his left eye. The place itself was a mess. Bar stools were scattered over the floor. Tables were upended. The back bar was smashed, and the mirror that ran along the length of the bar itself was broken. Frank and I checked with the officers from the unit and then we went back to talk to the bartender.

[Frank Smith]

Why don't you guys tell me about him? Sir, why don't you tell me who he was? I didn't know. Look at this place. Look what he did.

[Joe Friday]

What started the fight?

[Frank Smith]

I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Did you recognize him when he came in?

[Frank Smith]

Not right off. He sat down, ordered a drink. Next thing I know, the place is.

[Joe Friday]

Coming down around me one'd you know he was the man we were looking.

[Frank Smith]

For after he belted the fella next to him. That's what I knew. Called you right away. You should have told me he was rough. You should have told me.

[Joe Friday]

We told you not to try to.

[Frank Smith]

Take him yourself, but you didn't make a point of it. I just thought it was something you told everybody.

[Joe Friday]

Can you tell us what he said when he came in?

[Frank Smith]

We were having a nice night. Pretty good business sitting there watching the fights on the television. Nice and quiet, pouring good. Looked like a good night for the till.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Door swings open and in comes this guy. I didn't pay any attention to him. Walked over and sat at the bar, right there in the middle. Sat at the bar, ordered a high ball. He had a couple. I should have known right then had been in this business. Anytime at all, you should be able to spot the ones Here. Like they caused trouble.

[Joe Friday]

What did he ask for in the drink?

[Frank Smith]

Bourbon and ginger. I mixed it, collected for it and then went back to watching the fight. Had a little bit on it. Always take the white corner with one of the regulars. You know, a couple of bucks. I'm standing there watching a fight, all of a sudden there's one going on in the room. This new guy and the fella next to him going at it hot and heavy.

[Joe Friday]

Right, Bob?

[Frank Smith]

This do any good? Do you know?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

Holding a steak on a black eye. Supposed to take swelling there?

[Joe Friday]

I wouldn't know, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Sure hope so. I laid a bottle on my cheek. Feels like he broke something.

[Joe Friday]

You want us to call a doctor for you?

[Frank Smith]

No, I'll check one later. Other cops ask me the same thing. I'm all right, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Would you like to go ahead with your story? Please.

[Frank Smith]

Not much more to tell. Place just seemed to explode. I jumped over the bar. I got a billy club in the back. Grabbed that and jumped over the bar and tried to get the. They were throwing everything they could lay their hands on at each other. Well, look at the place.

[Joe Friday]

You better.

[Frank Smith]

If I just put a lock on the door and open up someplace else.

[Joe Friday]

It'D be easier just to be sure. Would you take a look at these? Just the man who caused the fight.

[Frank Smith]

Wait a minute. I can't see the. Yeah, that's him.

[Joe Friday]

You're pretty sure, are you?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Louis Rote.

[Cab Driver]

That's the fella.

[Joe Friday]

This afternoon when we talked to you, you said you didn't know him.

[Frank Smith]

I didn't make much of an impression. Then when I saw him in person, I remembered.

[Joe Friday]

Well, he was in here earlier then.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, same guy.

[Joe Friday]

Did you hear him say anything at all that might help us find him?

[Frank Smith]

No, but you ought to talk to the guy you had the fight with. Yeah, he went to school with Rote.

[Joe Friday]

We got the name of the man the suspect had the fight with. We drove over to his home and talked to him. He explained that he'd been enrolled in a night class with Rote. We went on to say that they'd met at school when both of them were studying criminology at one of the colleges in the area. We got what information we could about Rote. And then Frank and I went back to the office. We tried to contact the school, but we were not able to reach anyone who could check the registration records for us. The next morning, we called the head registrar and asked her to check the records in the college night extension courses for a Louis Rote. Thirty minutes later, she called back with the suspect's address. Frank and I left the office and drove out to the place. A two story boarding house out on Adams Boulevard. Wrote it moved, but he'd left a forwarding address. We drove over there and found that he was still registered. We got the number of the room, we went upstairs. Frank stood on one side of the door while I took the other.

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[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You Louis wrote. Yeah. What do you want? Police officers. You're under arrest. For what? Suspicion of robbery.

[Cab Driver]

How'd you get to me?

[Joe Friday]

We did.

[Frank Smith]

Can I get a coat?

[Joe Friday]

No. You tell us where it is, we'll get it for you. Closet over there. I'll get it.

[Frank Smith]

There's a bottle of aspirin in the pocket there. Make sure you don't drop it. Hang over.

[Joe Friday]

I got it.

[Frank Smith]

I'm gonna need something.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Don't think I ever had a headache like this one.

[Joe Friday]

Terrible. You better get used to it, huh? They're gonna get worse. A show up was arranged and all of the victims of the holdups were present. They all gave positive identifications of Louis Rhode is the man who'd held them up. A complaint was issued by the district attorney's office and on the following Friday, August 2nd, a preliminary hearing was held in Division 34 of Municipal Court. Wrote was bound over for the charges filed against him. September 2nd at 10:00am the suspect pled guilty to robbery in the first degree. Two counts. Rhode asked for immediate sentence, and the judge complied with the request. He was sent to San Quentin, where he went through the clinic. On recommendation of the authorities at the prison, the board ordered him sent to the Penitentiary of Chino, California. Seven months had passed since his arrest, and from what we heard, Rote was a model prisoner. During that time, we cleaned up a string of loan company holdups and Frank's children had gone through the chickenpox and several types of virus. On Sunday, February 23rd, Frank and I were in the office trying to catch up on the detail work. You got the LA number on Lawrence Pacetti? Yeah. Wait a minute. Here you are. 1-689-476-8947. Sure. Meanly. Yeah. Terrible way to do that kid in it. Oh, man. Robbery Friday. Yeah. Savage. Mm. When did it happen? Well, we know how I did it. All right. We'll check in with it right away. No, no. Send it down, will you? Right. Bye. Teletype in from Chino? Yeah. Roach just broke out of jail. An immediate watch was put out on all the places Roach was known to frequent. All officers in the field were supplied with descriptions and pictures of the suspect. From the story. As we got it from the prison officials, we were able to piece together the method of Roach's escape. Several months before, he'd started on the bank robberies, he'd gotten work as a day laborer up at Chino. He'd managed to bury a gun and several hundred dollars in a watertight container in the prison grounds. On his arrival at the prison, he'd waited for the right moment and then he dug up the weapon and the money and made a break. He picked Sunday, a day when the prison grounds were crowded with visitors. Fortunately, there had been no one hurt when Roda escaped, however, we knew he was armed and was to be considered dangerous. Two days after his escape, a man answering his description held up a grocery store. From the clerk, we obtained a positive identification of Ro. The next day, he hit again. This time, he beat one of the clerks in the store. When the man refused to open the cash register, additional information was forwarded to all law enforcement agencies throughout the area. Rhodes picture was carried on the police television show and the daily newspapers cooperated and carried his likeness and description. Calls began to come into the complaint board from people who thought they'd seen the suspect. In each instance, the information was checked out and several of the reports appeared authentic. On Wednesday, March 4, we got a call from Calvin Niles, the bartender who'd given us the original information on Rode Frank and I drove out to see him.

[Frank Smith]

I tried to hold him here, tried my darnest, but he wouldn't go for it.

[Joe Friday]

You talk to him at all?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I had a couple of words.

[Joe Friday]

What about?

[Frank Smith]

Mainly about the fight he had before you got him. You know, when he broke up the place. Talked about that. He said he was sorry about it. Told me the other fella caused it. Said he'd like to be able to pay for it, but he didn't have the money. I thought he was gonna hit me up for a loan, the way he acted and all. Thought sure he wanted to make a touch.

[Joe Friday]

Did he say anything at all about where he was staying?

[Frank Smith]

Not a word.

[Joe Friday]

Didn't give me any indication at all? No. Was he driving the car?

[Frank Smith]

Not that I could see. When he walked out, I went over to the door to see if I could spot anything. By the time I got out from behind the bar, he disappeared.

[Joe Friday]

A cab stand around here?

[Frank Smith]

A couple of blocks up the street. Think he might have taken a taxi.

[Joe Friday]

We'll check it.

[Frank Smith]

I don't think he could have gotten that far in the time it took me to get to the door. I can see that far and I didn't see him. I don't think he took a taxi.

[Joe Friday]

Did he come in alone?

[Frank Smith]

As far as I could tell. He came in, sat down, ordered a highball, drank it up and left. I don't think he was here more than five minutes also.

[Joe Friday]

But you're pretty sure there wasn't anybody with him, are you?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I had been, I'd have seen him.

[Joe Friday]

Did he look like he was gonna meet anybody here?

[Frank Smith]

Not especially.

[Joe Friday]

Giving any reason for coming in?

[Frank Smith]

Not right out, he didn't.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

Lucky I did it now, I guess. I didn't plan it that way.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

I told you I thought he wanted to make a touch.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

I told him I'd just taken the money to the bank, dropped it in the night depository. Said I'd clean the place out.

[Joe Friday]

He left right after that?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Finished up his drink and walked out. Sure got a lot of nerve, if you ask me.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

He comes in the place once, breaks it up, then comes back to try to hold it up.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you're not sure about that, are you?

[Frank Smith]

As far as I'm concerned, that's what he came in for.

[Joe Friday]

Can you give us a description of what he was wearing?

[Frank Smith]

Plain blue suit. Looked like it was gabardine. Two button.

[Joe Friday]

How about a hat?

[Frank Smith]

No, he wasn't wearing one. Had On a white shirt, black knit tie. You know, the narrow kind. One of those little stick fins shaped like a little ladybug. You know the kind I mean? Yes, sir, one of those.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Mr. Niles. If any more comes up, we'd appreciate a call from you.

[Frank Smith]

You get it? I'll tell you one thing, sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

After that fight, I did just about everything I could to help business. Help pay for the damage.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

This is one customer I want to lose.

[Joe Friday]

For the next two days, the search for the suspect went on roaming. Houses where he might have been staying were checked. Friends and relatives were interrogated. Al Gaten down in San Diego was notified and he alerted the authorities at the border in the event Rope tried to escape into Mexico. In the meantime, a rolling stakeout was set up in the area where the thief had been hitting. Two more days passed without activity. On Monday, March 9, Frank and I were in unit 1K80 cruising on West Pico. Sure is a quiet night. Yeah. Be glad when it's over. I get home and hit the sack. How you coming with the books, huh? Oh, you mean for the sergeant exam? Yeah. Oh, pretty good.

[Viola Clark]

All units.

[Dispatcher]

Attention all units.

[Viola Clark]

A 211 has just occurred at the grocery store at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Ottawa Street.

[Dispatcher]

Unit 1R13, handle the call.

[Joe Friday]

Code 3. Better hit it. Yeah.

[Dispatcher]

Attention all units. A 211 has just occurred at the grocery store at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Ottawa Street. Unit 1R13 ends the call.

[Joe Friday]

Group 3 1K8 0 to Control 1.

[Dispatcher]

Control 1 to 1K80, go ahead.

[Joe Friday]

Code 6 at Pico Boulevard on Ottawa Street.

[Dispatcher]

Control 1 to 1K80. Roger. KMA 367. Attention all units. Attention all units. Be on the lookout for the following described. Suspect wanted in connection with 211 at grocery store at Pico Boulevard and Ottawa street. Suspect described as WMA, 40 or 50 years, 5ft 8 and 1 half, 150 to 155. Medium built, gray hair. Suspect was wearing a dark blue suit, no hat, white shirt, black tie and black shoes. Suspect has a mole on the left side of his face just above the mo. He is carrying a large blue steel revolver, Western type. Suspect believed to be driving a 1952 Chrysler sedan, dark in color. License number unknown. The vehicle has a damaged left rear fender. Use caution. Suspect is considered dangerous. KMA 367.

[Joe Friday]

Sounds like roast, doesn't it? Yeah. Hang on. Here's Pico, the car that just passed us.

[Dispatcher]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Dark Chrysler sedan, dented left fender. You better check it Right. Hold it. It's taking off. You better lean on.

[Dispatcher]

It.

[Joe Friday]

Doesn't look like he's gonna stop. Watch it, Frank. The streetcar.

[Frank Smith]

A close one.

[Joe Friday]

As long as they don't come any closer, huh? You see him? Yeah, up ahead. You gonna try a shot at him? No, we can't. There's too many people around. Now we're pulling up. All right, hold it steady. Pull over. Police officers. He doesn't act like he hears you throw it. All right.

[Dispatcher]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Try to cut him off.

[Dispatcher]

Off.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Come on, Roach. Pull over. All right, cut him off.

[Dispatcher]

Right. Hang on.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, pull up. Let's go. You read the plow into that lamp post? Yeah. All right, come on, out of the car.

[Podcast Sponsor]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

See, I've got my hands up in the air. All right, come on, move it. Come on. Put your hands in the car. Here. Yeah. Lean on it. I'll shake it. Yeah. Here's the gun, Joe. All right, come on, Rob. Put your hands behind you. Yeah. All right, let's go.

[Cab Driver]

About my car.

[Joe Friday]

We'll take care of it.

[Frank Smith]

Not gonna just leave it there, are you?

[Joe Friday]

I wouldn't worry about it, huh? You're not gonna be driving it for Louis.

[Judge]

Albert Rote was tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree, four counts and violation of section 4530 PC escape. Robbery in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period of not less than five years. Escape from a state prison is punishable by imprisonment for a period of not less than one year. Said second term of imprisonment to commence from the time the prisoner would otherwise have been discharged from said prison.

[Frank Smith]

You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

And starring Jack Webb, a presentation of.

[Frank Smith]

The United States Armed Forces Radio Service.

[Podcast Sponsor]

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