Dragnet: The Big Try 09/21/1954

Summary

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Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Try" (09/21/1954)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Date: September 23, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode of Dragnet follows Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith as they investigate a young man's confession to a hit-and-run homicide. What begins as a straightforward case of self-incrimination quickly unravels into a nuanced examination of guilt, evidence, and personal struggle as the detectives uncover the truth behind the crime.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Young Man's Confession (01:41–03:59)

• Setting: December 10th, cold morning in LA, Joe Friday and Frank Smith return to the homicide squad room.
• Introduction to Emil Salter: An 18-year-old, weary and hungry, walks into the station to confess.
  • Salter's Statement: "I want to talk to you. ... I'm in trouble real bad." (02:20–02:36)
  • He claims to have killed a man by running him down with a stolen truck.
• Initial Investigation: Detectives feed Emil, check his record (finds none), and ask him to recount his story. He describes hitting an unknown man on the Coast Highway near Malibu.

2. Salter’s Background and Self-Doubt (05:00–08:10)

• Personal History:
  • Salter is from Waukesha, Wisconsin; troubled at home but has no real criminal past.
  • He left home seeking a fresh start but ended up sick and alone in Los Angeles.
  • Briefly detained previously for minor mischief ("one night we broke into [a] church...just wanted to play the organ." (06:02)).
  • After escaping the hospital to avoid being sent home, he stole a truck in desperation.
• Emotional State: Salter expresses deep loneliness, regret, and self-blame.
  • “Seems like I was always alone. Sure was last night. I guess I never do anything right, do I?” (07:50–08:10)

3. Investigation and Doubt (08:10–11:12)

• Fact-Checking Salter's Story:
  • Police confirm a transient (Lloyd Holtman) was killed in a hit-and-run on the Malibu highway.
  • Crime lab discovers blue paint on the victim, not black like Salter’s truck.
  • Inspecting the truck reveals it doesn't match evidence from the scene.
  • Friday: “What you tell us doesn’t add up with the evidence here.” (10:00)
• Discovery of Discrepancies: Paint color and damage don’t match Emil’s confession.

4. Witness Emerges – The Real Story (11:12–16:02)

• A New Witness, Lorne Stait:
  • Reluctantly shares he witnessed the accident, confirming a blue car—not a truck—killed Holtman.
  • Stait’s account: “That emo kid, he ain't guilty...He didn’t do it. I seen the accident, seen the whole thing.” (12:24–12:28)
  • He originally kept silent to avoid trouble at home; his alibi involves being with a woman, potentially embarrassing for him.
  • Provides a vital clue: “I got license number.” (15:38–15:39)

5. Tracking the Real Killer (16:02–22:21)

• Identification:
  • Blue Pontiac registered to Charles Bookman, who lent it to his brother-in-law, Casey Stedman.
  • Bookman's frustration: “If he smashed up the car, he's going to pay for it though. I’m not going to be responsible.” (18:18)
• Locating the Car & Suspect:
  • Mechanic contacts police about a blue Pontiac with stained, damaged fender (likely blood).
  • Steadman attempts to deny involvement, then confesses under pressure and evidence.
  • Joe Friday: “We got one that says you can’t use it to kill somebody.” (22:17)

6. Closure for Emil Salter (23:13–24:55)

• Emil is Cleared of Homicide:
  • Friday delivers the news: “You didn’t kill that man.” (23:18)
  • Salter is relieved, yet still faces charges for auto theft. Reflects on his loneliness and sense of being an outsider, even referencing watching his high school prom from the fire escape:
    • “I was all alone, looking in from the outside.” (24:43)
• Detectives' Reflections:
  • Frank Smith expresses empathy for Emil: “Listened to that kid, I got the same sort of feeling...I don't think he's a bad kid. Not really.” (25:06)

7. Aftermath & Sentencing (25:50–26:28)

• Verdicts:
  • Casey Harrison Stedman convicted of felony hit-and-run, sentenced to state penitentiary.
  • Emil Donald Salter pled guilty to grand theft auto, placed on probation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Salter's Confession:
  • "I didn't mean to do wrong...Killed a man." (02:53–02:56)
• Salter’s Loneliness:
  • “Seems like I was always alone. Sure was last night. I guess I never do anything right, do I?” (07:50–08:10)
• Witness’s Reluctance:
  • “I ain't gonna get mixed up enough.” (11:33)
  • “That emo kid, he ain't guilty...He didn’t do it. I seen the accident, seen the whole thing.” (12:24–12:28)
• Detective’s Skepticism:
  • “We just got to go with the evidence, mister.” (22:27)
• Resolution & Reflection:
  • “Just me. I guess I blame my parents, my brothers, everybody. All the time, it's me. There’s nobody else to blame, really.” (23:44)
  • “Like I said, I was all alone, looking in from the outside.” (24:43)
  • “Listening to that kid, I got the same sort of feeling. I don't think he's a bad kid. Not really.” (25:06)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:41–03:59: Emil Salter’s confession and background
• 05:00–08:10: Emil’s life story and emotional struggles
• 08:10–11:12: Police doubt, conflicting evidence
• 11:12–16:02: Witness Lorne Stait clarifies the truth
• 16:02–22:21: Identifying the real perpetrator and confrontation
• 23:13–24:55: Emil's exoneration and reflections on loneliness
• 25:50–26:28: Legal resolution for Emil and Stedman

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Overall Tone and Style

The episode maintains Dragnet’s trademark reserved, methodical tone, with Joe Friday and Frank Smith proceeding by the book but showing empathy for the troubled youth at the center of the case. The narrative focuses not just on solving a crime but on exploring issues of guilt, fate, and the desire for belonging.

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For Listeners

Even if you haven’t heard the episode, this summary offers a clear, structured view of the unfolding investigation and the emotional journey of Emil Salter. Through meticulous police work and the emergence of an unexpected witness, justice is ultimately served, but not without leaving a poignant reminder about the consequences of loneliness and the search for acceptance.

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Transcript

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[Sergeant 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].

[Narrator/Various Characters]

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

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Dragnet, you're a detective sergeant.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You're assigned a homicide detail. A young man walks into your office and tells you he wants to give himself up. You don't know if you can believe his story.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Your job. Check it out. It was Monday, December 10th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A homicide detail. My partner's Frank's. The boss is Captain Larman. My name's Friday. We're on our way back from records and identification. It was 11:15am when we got to room 42, the squadroom.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Joe? Yeah. Danny Kid waiting to see you.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did he say what he wanted?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No. Said he wanted to talk to you. And nobody else.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

To give a name? No.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Nice looking kid.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, we'll talk to him. Be right with it, Joe.

[Podbean User/Listener]

I'll check the book.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, fine. Do you want to see me?

[Podbean User/Listener]

You Sergeant Friday?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's right. What can I do for you?

[Podbean User/Listener]

I want to talk to you.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Nothing in the book, Joe.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What's your name, son?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Emil Salter.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Emil, this is my partner, Frank Smith.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Hello, Mr. Smith. Hi, son.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Why'd you ask for me?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Well, they told me to.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Who's that?

[Podbean User/Listener]

The men in that room across the hall. The business office.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Podbean User/Listener]

I sure hope you can help me, Sergeant Friday. I'm in trouble real bad.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, so I'll sit down here and you can tell us about it. Go ahead.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Well, one thing you should know, I came in to give myself Up.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right.

[Podbean User/Listener]

I didn't mean to do wrong.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right. What'd you do?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Killed a man.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Emil Charles Salter was 18 years old. 5ft 7 and a half, 137 pounds. He had light blond hair and blue eyes. Was wearing a tan windbreaker and tan pants. He looked tired, and he told us that he hadn't eaten in several hours. We set out for some hot coffee and sandwiches. Frank checked his name and description through R and I but he found that he had no record in our files. We asked him to tell us the story. Do you know the man you killed?

[Podbean User/Listener]

No, I never saw him before.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, how'd you kill him?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Ran him down.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

In a car?

[Podbean User/Listener]

No, a truck.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where'd this happen?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Coast highway, near Malibu.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

At?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Just this side.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

When?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Last night. I guess it must have been around 10. It should have been around then because I left town at 8:30. Took about an hour and a half to drive up there.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Now, you're sure the man was dead?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah. I looked at him. It wasn't hard to tell.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did you try to help him at all?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No.

[Podbean User/Listener]

As soon as I looked at him, I knew there wasn't anything I could do. I just got back in the truck and took off.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where's the truck now?

[Podbean User/Listener]

I left it. Just the other side of Malibu broke down, so I left it. When it stopped, I sat there for a while. Tried to think why I was hung up in something like this. Tried to figure why didn't come. So I got out and started to walk. All the time I was thinking about the man. I could almost see him. Guess it got to me. So I came back, caught a ride and came back.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hey, Joe, here's the food.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thanks, Danny. What do we owe you?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Come to a buck 60.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Wait a minute. That's 15 cents, Frank. Oh, yeah, I guess so. Yeah. Here, Dan.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Thanks. A couple cartons in there.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Black, right? Thank you. All right. Here, Emil, help yourself.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Thank you.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Hungry? I haven't had anything to eat since last night.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Mm. You wanna tell us about the truck?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where'd you get it?

[Podbean User/Listener]

I stole it. That's wrong too. I know. Everything I do seems to be wrong.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where'd you take it from, son?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Parking lot near where I used to live.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where's that?

[Podbean User/Listener]

A roaming house on 9th street near Figueroa.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Can you show us where the truck is now?

[Podbean User/Listener]

I guess so. I don't think anybody could move it. Broke down, like I said.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where you from, Amos?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Waukesha, Wisconsin. It's a small city near Milwaukee. Maybe you've heard of It.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, I can't say I have.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Got good water, springs and wells. Real fine manufacture things too. Motors, jacks, lots of things. Sure is a nice little place.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How come you left there?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Lots of reasons.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

In trouble?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah, in a way. Nothing serious. There's lots of things, you know, at home. I don't know just how to say it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You ever been arrested? No.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Well, not booked or anything. Cops took me in a couple of times.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What for?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Little things. Like one night we broke into church. Didn't go in to steal anything. One of the guys just wanted to play the organ.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Your parents alive? Yeah. When did you leave home?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Last July. I thought about it for a long time. Figured I might have a better chance where nobody knew me. Looks like it didn't make any difference.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

When did you get here?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Last part of July. Sure was different than Waukesha.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What do you mean by that?

[Podbean User/Listener]

It's so big then I didn't know anyone. Pretty lonesome at first. Then I got lucky.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Podbean User/Listener]

I got this job. Nothing important. Just washing dishes at this buffet. I get $25 a week in food. Got a little money ahead. Bought some clothes. Not real fancy, but they were new. And they gave me a lift, you know.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

True.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Had a nice room, too. Clean, handy to work. Thought I had it made. Then the axe fell.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Podbean User/Listener]

I got sick. Couldn't get out of bed. One morning the landlord called the doctor. He said I had rheumatic fever.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Podbean User/Listener]

The doctor called for an ambulance and they took me to General Hospital. Things are bad enough when you feel good. I was in the hospital and I didn't feel like nothing.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you remember the doctor's name?

[Podbean User/Listener]

No, sir, I don't.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How long were you in the hospital?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Three days.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

They discharged you in three days, did they?

[Podbean User/Listener]

No, sir. I ran away.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Why?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Well, the Traveler's Aid Society said that they were gonna send me back home. I didn't want that, so I ducked out. I went back to my room. I got a couple of bucks I had hid and left. Didn't have any idea what I was gonna do. But I didn't want to be sent back to Wisconsin.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's when you stole the trucker?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Look.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Looked like a way out of town.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Uh huh.

[Podbean User/Listener]

The whole thing doesn't seem like it really happened. You know how when you're half asleep and the radio's on, things come through but they're not real clear?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Like that. I remember riding in the truck after I hit the man. Trying to think what I was gonna do. How I was alone Story of my life. Seems like I was always alone. Sure was last night. I don't know. Guess I never do anything right, do I? Guess I just don't have the nerve.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You did this time you came here, didn't you? We put in a call to Accident Records and verified Emil Salter story. The body of a man identified as Lloyd Holtman, transient, had been found by officers of the Highway Patrol. Holtman had apparently been struck by a vehicle traveling at high speed as he walked along the road. We checked with Lt. Lee Jones at the crime lab and we found that his division had made an investigation. Frank and I left the office and went over to see him. He showed us pictures taken at the scene. On the victim's coat, the lab crew had been able to find traces of blue paint. Jones was not able to tell us what type of vehicle had hit the victim, but he did say that from the high rate of speed at the time of impact, there would be extensive damage to the front end of the vehicle. Emil Salter was booked on charges of violation of section 480Dc, a felony. Frank and I checked him out of the main jail and drove out to where he'd left the truck. He told us to Drive up Highway 101. When we got past the Malibu Colony, he directed us to turn off onto a dirt road. We drove about 200 yards and then he asked us to stop. Are you sure this is where you left the truck?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah, just over there behind those trees. When the engine started acting up, I looked for a place to park. Figured it'd be better if I got off the road.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

There it is.

[Podbean User/Listener]

You can see it now.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Mm. This is the same one you stole last night, is it?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yes, sir. It's the one I was driving.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I'll check the front end. Did you have anything to drink last night?

[Podbean User/Listener]

No, I had enough of that at home.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You're sure this is the truck you had when you hit that fella?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah, I'm sure. I don't know what all the questions are about.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I said I did it.

[Podbean User/Listener]

I'm not trying to hide anything.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

There's nothing up there, Joe. Front end's clean. Well, it doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? No.

[Podbean User/Listener]

I don't understand what the problem is.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

But what you tell us doesn't add up with the evidence here.

[Podbean User/Listener]

What do you mean?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, the report we got says that the man was killed by a blue vehicle. Uh huh. Now take a look at that truck, will you?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Black. We put in a call to the office and we asked Them to send the tow truck out and impound the vehicle. We stood by until they arrived. Frank and I drove Emil Salter to the scene of the accident. He pointed it out for us. According to the information we'd gotten, the location he gave us was the place where Lloyd Holtman had been found. We checked the area, but we failed to come up with anything new. 5:20pm we returned the suspect to the main jail and we went back to the office. We sent a radiogram to the authorities in Waukesha asking for all available information on Salter. At 6:47pm we checked out of the office. The next morning, December 11th, Frank and I met in the squadroom. Hi, Joe. Good morning. See the morning papers? Yeah. Guess there isn't much news, huh? Sure gave Saler a lot of space. Yeah. Wish we could find the answers. I called Lee when I got in. They went over the truck, found a lot of the kids prints, but they didn't turn anything that'd point to an accident. The way the body looked, there should be something on the car that ran him down, shouldn't there?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Excuse me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Wonder if y' all could help me out.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, we'll try, sir. Come on in. What did you want?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Want their kid in the paper, sir? You know, a young kid that ran down the old bum. Emo something.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Salter? Yeah.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, that's it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, what do you know about it?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, just take it easy now. A couple things. I gotta be sure before I tell you anything.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right. What's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I ain't gonna get mixed up enough.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We can't promise you that till we heard what you got to tell.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I'm wasting my time. Bye.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, just a minute, huh? Maybe I better straighten you out, mister. On what? Well, this kid's sitting in jail right now. He's got a pretty serious charge against him.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I didn't make it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir, that might be true. But I better tell you this. If you know anything about a felony that's been committed and you withhold that information, you're liable for prosecution as an accessory. Did you know that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's the law.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Those are the words. Now, the only thing we're interested in is getting the case off the books. We're not going to give your name to the papers.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's a promise?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's a promise. Okay.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I told you it'd be pretty bad for me if any of what I tell you gets back to my family.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, now, what's your name?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Lorne Stait.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's L O R E N. Yeah. You want us to down?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, yeah. Thank you.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Now, what do you know about this?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That emo kid, he ain't guilty.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

He didn't do it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How do you know?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I seen the accident, seen the whole thing.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You want to start at the beginning?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Now, you're sure none of this gon get out?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We told you. Not from us. Okay.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I took a drive Saturday night up the coast to have dinner. Now, on the way back, I stopped and parked a while, you know, Kind of looked out at the ocean.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I was just leaving and I saw this old guy walk along the road, bindle stiff, you know, had a blanket rolled on his back. Just walking along, you know how to do?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

All of a sudden his car come roaring down the road. Thing must have been doing at least 90. Come rolling around and turn right at this old guy. Well, sir, the old guy saw the car coming right at him, kind of turned and started to run. Wasn't any place for him to go. It's where the roads cut right out of the mountain, you know?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, we were there. We know.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I guess he figured the driver swing around him or something, so he run over the side of the pavement trying to get out the way.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Didn't do no good.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That car plowed right into him. Must have knocked him 150ft, 122. Well, it seemed a lot further than that.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did the driver make any attempt to stop after he hit the old man?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yep. Pulled over the side of the road. Didn't get out of the car, though. Just stayed there a minute, then he drove off. Well, sir, I was gonna go over and see what I could do for the old fella, I really was. And then this truck drove up. Guy stopped and got out, walked over to the fella. I figured he'd be able to take care of it, so I left.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did you see the driver of the truck?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yes, sir. Saw him good when he walked in front of the headlights. Same fella in the paper, that emo. What's his name?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Salter.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, Salter.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You pretty sure it's the same man?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yes, sir. Now, like I told you, I got a good look at him.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How about the other man? What can you tell us about him?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Not much, except he was driving too fast.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, how about the car? You know what kind it was?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I didn't get a good look at that.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How about the color? You notice that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, it was a blue kind of light color.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Can you give us any description of the driver? No, sir, could you tell us if it was a man or a woman?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, it was a man. I noticed that when he slowed down, he kind of leaned out the wind and looked back down the road. It was a man alike.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Could you see the color of his hair? Anything at all about him?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No, sir. There wasn't any lights up there, you know. It was dark. I couldn't see very good. The main reason I know the driver was a man was the lights from the truck kind of picked him up and that's when he left.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, all right, Mr. States, we appreciate what you've told us.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Glad to help. As long as nobody's going to know. Be pretty embarrassing.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, how's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, CC Me and the wife, we ain't been getting along too good. Nothing worth talking about, but a fellow don't like to be nagged at, you know. Well, there's just a little secretary in our office and she and I talk once in a while. A couple times we gone out for morning coffee together. This last beef with my wife, I figured I'd fix it good. So I asked the secretary for a date. She gave it to me. We got together Saturday night, had dinner at a place in. Up near Malibu. On the way back, we just park and talk. Nothing wrong, mind you, but I don't guess my wife'd understand if she found out.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

So you see why I don't want nobody to know about Saturday. Be kind of tough to explain.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Got to thinking about it, though. And What? That kid, Emo.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Salter.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah. Got to thinking what he must be going through and decided maybe I better tell about it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I'll say it's gonna help him a lot.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yep, I guess so. Oh, something else you might be able to use.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Might not be worth anything out of state.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No. What's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

The hit and run car?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I got license number.

[Dragnet Announcer]

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

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We got the license number of the hit and run car. Also the fact that it carried an Illinois plug. We put out a local and an APB on it. We got in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles back east and we obtained the owner's name. According to their records, he had notified them that he was moving to California. They were able to supply us with a North Hollywood address for him. We checked the name through our record section, but we found nothing. At 5:20pm Frank and I drove out to see him.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yes?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Charles Bookman? That's right. Police officers.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

We like to talk to you come on in.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thank you. This is my partner, Frank Smith. My name's Friday. Hello. How you do, sir?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I was just having dinner. You mind if I tell my wife to go ahead?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, we can wait if you like.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No, I'll be right back.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right. You want to wait just a minute? Mind if we go with you?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I'm just going into the dining room.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure. But we'll still have to be with you.

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[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What's this about? You own a 1954 Pontiac?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Light blue?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's right. Something happened to the car?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We want you to tell us if you will.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I don't know what this is all about. Seems you ought to be able to tell me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where is the car?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I don't know.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You own a car and you don't know where it is?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Has it been stolen?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I don't know. For all I know it could have been. I haven't seen it for a couple of days.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, who has it?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You know, my brother in law. I let him drive it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You don't know where he is? No.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

If he smashed up the car, he's going to pay for it though. I'm not going to be responsible.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Afraid he's done more than that. I don't know.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

He's a real bum. My wife's kid brother. Can't hold a job for more than five minutes. All the time sponging off me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

When did you let him take the car?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Let's see. It was Saturday morning. I told him I wouldn't be using it for a couple of days. Said he could have it. Look, it's my car you're asking about. I got A right to know if something's wrong. I ought to notify the insurance company.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir, we understand, but it'd be better if we talk to your brother in law about it first. You want to give us his full name?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Casey Steadman.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

S, T, E, A, D, M, A, N. Is that right?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How about a description? No problem.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I think I got a picture around if you want that.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure. It'd help. I'll get it for you. What were you doing over the weekend?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I was home. I'm branch manager for the company I worked for. I got an annual report. I have to get out. I worked on that every night.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Started it Friday night. Finished it up Monday afternoon. That's one reason I let Casey take the car.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

To get him out of the house so I could get some work done. But all he does is sit around and look at the tv. Starts right with the programs for kids and goes straight through the day. I think there's something wrong with his ears, too. Always got set, turned up real loud. And anybody can think when he's watching a show.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I had to get him out of the house. Wife won't even let me say anything to him. She knows how important that work is, too. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, I wouldn't know about that, sir.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Just once, just once I'd like to be able to prove to my wife what a mommy is. Just once.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

So she really believes it. Well, if he was driving your car Saturday night, we'll let you know.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What'll that prove?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

She'll believe it then. We got a complete description of Casey Stedman, along with a picture of the suspect. We went back to the office and got out a supplemental broadcast and an APB on him. A check at R and I failed to turn up any information. We talked with his friends and his known associates. None of them could tell us where he was. None of them had seen him since the accident. Wednesday, December 12th, we got a call from one of the larger garages in the city. Yes, sir, that's right. Wendy called you. I see. All right, we'll be right over. No, no. If he does, will you try to stall him till we get there? Right. Thank you. Bye. Garage over on 6th. Yeah. Guy hauled a car in this morning, the front end all smashed up. Started to work on it and he thought he better call us. Blue Pontiac. That's right. Stains on the fender. Yeah. Mechanic thinks they're blood. Frank and I left the office and we drove over to the Garage. We talked to the owner. He told us that he'd gotten a call to bring a tow truck to the corner of Main and Crocker streets. When he got there, he met a man who asked him to tow a car to the garage and to do some repair work on the right front fender. We showed him Stedman's picture. He gave us a positive identification. We checked the car over. It was a 1954 blue Pontiac sedan. The license number was the same one that we'd gotten previously. The garage owner went on to tell us that the suspect wanted the car on Thursday night and that it was important that the repairs be made by that time. We asked that we be notified in the event the suspect made an appearance before then. We called the crime lab and we asked them to come down and go over the car. Frank and I went back to the office and we met with Captain Lorman. We told him what we'd found. He told us to be at the garage the first thing Thursday morning. In the event, Steadman made an early appearance. Frank and I got there at 7:30am At 4:30 in the afternoon, the suspect still hadn't shown. 4:45, 4:50pm Maybe he figured something's wrong. Doesn't seem likely. There's no way for him to find out. Think his sister tipped him? No. Bookman said he wouldn't say anything to her about it. Met him and Frank? Yeah, we got alive with him and was taken. Steadman.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I'd like to talk to you.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Why? Do I know you?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Police officers. You on that blue Pontiac over there. All right, take it easy.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Go. I know nothing about it. Nothing. I never saw the car before.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Fellow that toted in says you're the.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

One who called him and he made a mistake. Must be a lot of men who look like me. Nothing special about me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Our crime lab has gone over the car. As soon as we roll your fingerprints, we'll be able to tell for sure.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What's that gonna prove? Maybe I did drive the car. Nothing wrong with that. No law that says a man can't drive a car.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We got one that says you can't use it to kill somebody.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I didn't do that.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, you don't believe me, do you?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Nope.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's kind of lousy, isn't it?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How do you mean that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You walk in here, you already made up your mind I'm guilty. You call that fair?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We just got to go with the evidence, mister.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, you got nothing to prove I was in that car. Nothing to show That I killed anybody. Just trying to make me say I did something I don't know nothing about.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, come on, let's go.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You just swear. You take me to court, I'll tell.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

The whole world about this lousy deal. Yeah, well, I don't know about the world. Yeah, but we'll be there to listen. We took the suspect back down to the city hall. As soon as we had his fingerprints taken and compared with the ones found in the car, we showed him the physical evidence that we had. When it was presented, he confused, confessed to killing Lloyd Holdman. He made a statement when we took him over to the main jail where he was booked in on a charge of violation of section 480 BC, a felony. Before we left the jail, we had Emil Salter brought from his cell to one of the interview rooms. He looked like he hadn't slept for several days. Sit down.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How do you feel?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Not too good. Mr. Friday.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Oh, we got some news for you. Yeah? You didn't kill that man.

[Podbean User/Listener]

You're not lying to me?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No. We've got the guy that did it.

[Podbean User/Listener]

That's good. Since that night, all I've thought about was that man lying there. I'm glad it wasn't me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah. You know you still have to answer for auto theft.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Sure, I know. Funny, the reason I left home was to build something new. Here I am in jail. Just me. I guess I blame my parents, my brothers, everybody. All the time, it's me. There's nobody else to blame, really.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, you can try it again, Ema.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yeah, but it'll probably be the same. Always on the outside looking in.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What do you mean by that?

[Podbean User/Listener]

Like back in high school, maybe. You'll think it's funny, but like, one time I wanted to go to the junior prom real bad. Didn't have the right clothes, didn't have a date. Who'd want to go out with a shrimp like me?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did you ask anybody to go with you?

[Podbean User/Listener]

No, I knew better. But I went to the prom anyway. All by myself. No date, no nice clothes. Just old cords and a beat up jacket. Want to know how I went?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Uh huh.

[Podbean User/Listener]

I sat on the fire escape. Yeah, I watched the whole thing through the gym window. Sitting on a fire escape. They had lanterns and stuff. Kids all dressed up real pretty. It was nice to watch. Saw the Grand March, everything. Only one trouble.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Like I said, I was all alone, looking in from the outside.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, we gotta shove off, Amy.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Thanks for coming over.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

It's all right. See you, son.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Sure.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You wanna wait here we'll send an officer in for you.

[Podbean User/Listener]

Yes, sir. Thanks again.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

And a nice kid, don't you think? Yeah, guess he is. Gets a lot of things caught up with him. Kind of gives you a funny feeling, talking to him. How do you mean that? Well, you know how when he worked all night and you get home early in the morning, you're too tired to sleep and you hear a train whistle from the other side of town? Listening to that kid, I got the same sort of feeling. I don't think he's a bad kid. Not really. You think I'm wrong, Joe? My only guess, if Yara makes two of it. Yeah. Whistle you're talking about. I hear it every once in a while on the shelf.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

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

[Dragnet Announcer]

On April 16, trial was held in Department 97, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. Casey Harrison Stedman was tried and convicted of violation of section 480 of the Vehicle Code Law. Violation of section 480 BC is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period of from one to five years. Emil Donald Salter pled guilty to one count of grand theft auto. In the interests of justice, he was placed on probation for a period of three years.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

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 Service.