21st Precinct 53-07-14 (002) Case of the Young Incorrigible

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: 21st Precinct 53-07-14 (002) Case of the Young Incorrigible
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

21st Precinct delves into the gritty underbelly of New York City's law enforcement during the Golden Age of Radio. This episode, titled "Case of the Young Incorrigible," masterfully combines suspense, drama, and character-driven storytelling to explore themes of juvenile delinquency, familial bonds, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Plot Synopsis

The episode centers around George Rostek, a 17-year-old boy who has recently been arrested for a series of robberies in the 21st Precinct. His mother, Mrs. Rostek, approaches Captain Kennelly with desperation in hopes of understanding her son's sudden descent into criminal behavior.

Initial Confrontation: Mrs. Rostek meets Captain Kennelly at the precinct to discuss her son's arrest. She recounts how two detectives knocked on her door late at night to search for George, leading to his arrest for robbery. Despite her pleas, George is implicated in three separate muggings, with evidence like wallets found in his possession.

Police Investigation: Captain Kennelly engages with Detective Jim Tully to gather more information about the case. Tully confirms the evidence against George, including the physical injuries of the victims and the stolen items recovered. The detectives organize a lineup to have the victims identify George as their assailant, further solidifying the case against him.

Family Tensions: Throughout the episode, Mrs. Rostek grapples with feelings of guilt and helplessness. She believes in her son's inherent goodness and struggles to reconcile his actions with the George she knows. Her conversations with Captain Kennelly reveal the strain that George's actions have placed on their family, especially after the death of George's father, Joe.

Lineup and Identification: During the police lineup, both victims confidently identify George as their perpetrator. Despite Captain Kennelly's efforts to engage George in conversation and elicit a confession, George remains hostile and uncooperative, reinforcing the severity of his situation.

George's Escape: As the investigation intensifies, George manages to evade capture. Captain Kennelly reflects on the systemic challenges of juvenile crime and the potential future consequences if George remains unrehabilitated. The episode concludes on a somber note, highlighting the cyclical nature of crime and the ongoing battle between law enforcement and youth delinquency.

Characters and Interactions

• Captain Kennelly: The stoic and dedicated commanding officer of the 21st Precinct. His interactions with Mrs. Rostek and Detective Tully showcase his commitment to justice and his empathetic approach towards the community.

  • Notable Quote: “[01:00] Captain Kennelly: 'They want you to get straightened out, Mrs. Rostick. A good chance to get straightened out.'"

• Mrs. Rostek: A concerned and emotional mother striving to understand her son's sudden criminal behavior. Her portrayal adds depth to the personal toll of crime on families.

  • Notable Quote: “[02:58] Mrs. Rostek: 'He's a good boy, Captain. I did my best. It's not my fault.'"

• Detective Jim Tully: A seasoned detective grappling with George's case. His dialogues reveal the procedural aspects of police work and the challenges faced when dealing with uncooperative suspects.

  • Notable Quote: “[04:52] Detective Tully: 'We're waiting for the other victims. When they get here, we'll have a lineup and take them down to court.'"

• George Rostek: The young suspect caught in a web of uncertainty and poor choices. His limited dialogue emphasizes his defiant and rebellious nature.

  • Notable Quote: “[07:18] Captain Kennelly: 'He's young and he's got a chance to get straightened out. A good chance to get straightened out.'"

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Juvenile Delinquency: The episode explores the factors leading to youth crime, highlighting the impact of environment, family dynamics, and societal pressures.

2. Police Procedure: Through Captain Kennelly's interactions, listeners gain insight into the investigative processes of the time, including interrogations, evidence collection, and the importance of victim testimony.

3. Familial Bonds: Mrs. Rostek's unwavering belief in her son's goodness underscores the strain that familial relationships endure in the face of crime and adversity.

4. Redemption and Rehabilitation: Captain Kennelly's hope for George's reform reflects the era's perspectives on rehabilitation versus punishment, emphasizing the potential for personal change.

Notable Quotes

• Mrs. Rostek on George's Character:

  • “[06:36] Mrs. Rostek: 'I raised him good. I sent him to school and to church. Been hard since I buried his father, but I sent him. He's a good boy.'"

• Captain Kennelly on the Case:

  • “[22:36] Captain Kennelly: 'If we don't get him soon, Mrs. Rostick, he's finished. He's young and he's got a chance to get straightened out.'"

• Detective Tully on George's Behavior:

  • “[04:15] Detective Tully: 'He's about the meanest, surliest kid I've seen all year. He won't tell me the right time of day.'"

Conclusion

"Case of the Young Incorrigible" serves as a poignant narrative that intertwines the personal struggles of a mother with the procedural intricacies of police work. Through compelling dialogue and character development, the episode paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by both law enforcement and families dealing with youth crime. The unresolved ending, with George's escape, leaves listeners contemplating the broader societal issues that contribute to juvenile delinquency and the ongoing efforts required to address them.

Production Notes

21st Precinct features an impressive cast, including Everett Sloane as Captain Kennelly and Ken Lynch as Lieutenant King. The episode was written and directed by Stanley Niss, produced for CBS radio by John Ives, with art direction by Hannah. The narrative effectively captures the essence of Old Time Radio dramas, combining suspenseful storytelling with rich character portrayals.

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Transcript

[Captain Kennelly]

For the day tour? Yes.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Could I talk to you, Captain, please?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, you're Mrs. Rastek, aren't you?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Yes, Mrs. Rastick.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, it's been a long time. You still got the store?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, yeah, sure. I got it when Joe died. I thought maybe I'd sell it. But I couldn't get nothing from in the store like that. I got the store. How much did $0.05 candy, $0.10 sodas mean in newspapers?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, what can I do for you, Mrs. Rostig?

[Mrs. Rostek]

It's my boy, George. You remember my boy George?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes.

[Mrs. Rostek]

He got arrested.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Here, upstairs. The detectives.

[Captain Kennelly]

What for, Captain? Yes, they're about to turn out. Do you want to talk to them? Yes, I'll be right there.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, if you're busy, Captain, you sit.

[Captain Kennelly]

Right down here, Mrs. Lustek. I'll be back.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, yes. Sure, Captain. Sure.

[Captain Kennelly]

I walked out into the muster room and stood behind the desk. The bell rang. In marched the platoon for the day tour. Patrol sergeant brought them to a halt. He reported the platoon inspected. The desk officer ordered the Rolls. Shaw, Sutton, Thompson, Savageno, Zollis, Capmont. Well, a couple things. Men has had an alarm from the Harlem Valley State Hospital. An escaped metal case. His name is Lester c. Trey. Age 58, 5ft 10 and a half inches, 165 pounds, gray hair, blue eyes, light complexion, medium build. And he walks with a slight limp in his right leg. They say this fellow used to hang out in bar and grills on Second Avenue in the 70s before he was confined. You sector men and you met on post there, keep your eyes out for him. Now, I don't like to talk about this. I'm not going to mention any names because I don't want to embarrass anybody. But get your house tax paid up. Those of you who are delinquent will have forthwith sent to your home. All right, Sergeant, post the platoon. The men who would patrol the precinct on foot and in cars for the next eight hours walked out the door and onto the street. I looked over entries in the blotter. Then I walked back around the desk toward my office where Mrs. Rostek was waiting. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. All right, 671. All right, Mrs. Lustack.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't want to take up your time, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's what I'm here for. What was your boy arrested for?

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't know. Robbery.

[Captain Kennelly]

Tell me what happened.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I was asleep. Two or three o'clock this morning.

[Captain Kennelly]

I don't know.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Somebody was knocking on the door. I thought. George. I thought he forgot his key. Was two men. Not policemen, detectives. They said, where's George? I said, I don't know. He isn't home yet. If he sleeps on the couch. Isn't home. They said, could we wait? I didn't want them there. But I said, all right, then. They want to look at George's things. I don't know. I told them I got no right to show them. Ask George. All right, they said, pretty soon, George come home. Maybe 3, 30, 4 o'clock. There wasn't any trouble? No, no trouble. George showed them his things and they said it would be better to come here and talk. George said, go back to sleep. I'll be home right away. I thought they just wanted to talk. So I went back to sleep.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who told you he was being held for robbery?

[Mrs. Rostek]

I woke up and he wasn't there. So I came here and asked the man out there.

[Captain Kennelly]

He said, the desk lieutenant?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Yeah, the lieutenant. He said, go upstairs to the detective.

[Captain Kennelly]

Was George upstairs?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Yeah, in a little office with one of the detectives who came last night. They were still talking. I went in and I said, what did you do, George? He told me, go home, Marc. Get out of here.

[Captain Kennelly]

What was the name of the detective who arrested him?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, it's too me too something. I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

How old is George?

[Mrs. Rostek]

17. 17? In January.

[Captain Kennelly]

He was 17. Or he will be 17.

[Mrs. Rostek]

He was in January? I don't know, Captain. They came, they took him. He's a good boy. Goes to school, he works after.

[Captain Kennelly]

Let me see what I can find out.

[Detective Tully]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Give me Lt. King upstairs, will you? Yes, sir.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Good boy. He wouldn't do anything like robbery.

[Detective Tully]

21St Squad. Detective Tully.

[Captain Kennelly]

This is Captain Pinelli. Is Lieutenant King around?

[Detective Tully]

No, sir. I don't expect him back until 11:30 or 12.

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, listen, Tully. Who squealed that George Rostek being held for robbery?

[Detective Tully]

That's my. My squeal, Captain.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, what's it look like?

[Detective Tully]

We've got a maid and three muggings. The last one was about one o'clock this morning.

[Captain Kennelly]

Definitely him.

[Detective Tully]

He had the man's water in his pocket when we arrested him. The man's in the hospital with two broken ribs and a kick in the face. There was another wallet and a lady's pocketbook in his drawer at home. Those were the other two.

[Captain Kennelly]

What does George say?

[Detective Tully]

Nothing, Captain. He's about the meanest, surliest kid I've seen all year. He won't tell me the right time of day.

[Captain Kennelly]

What are you gonna do with him?

[Detective Tully]

We're waiting for the other victims. The man and the woman. When they get here, we'll have a.

[Captain Kennelly]

Lineup and we'll take them down to court.

[Detective Tully]

Any particular reason you're interested, Captain?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, his mother's here.

[Detective Tully]

Oh? Yeah? He wouldn't even say hello to her when she was upstairs. She's had her hands full with that one, all right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah. Well, thanks, Tony.

[Detective Tully]

Anytime. Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes? He's charged with robbery, Mrs. Rossick.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't believe it. I don't.

[Captain Kennelly]

They say he mugged three people.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Mugged? What's mugged?

[Captain Kennelly]

Beat them up and robbed them on the street. One last night. He's still in the hospital.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Not my George. I don't believe it.

[Captain Kennelly]

He's been in trouble before, hasn't he?

[Mrs. Rostek]

He's a good boy, Captain. A very good boy. What are they going to do? What happens now?

[Captain Kennelly]

They'll take him down to court this morning.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Not for a trial.

[Captain Kennelly]

No to felony court, for a hearing to set bonds.

[Mrs. Rostek]

He needs a lawyer.

[Captain Kennelly]

Wouldn't be a bad idea.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, I don't know. Lawyer. Do you know somebody, Captain?

[Captain Kennelly]

I can't recommend anyone, Mrs. Rostick.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, Mrs. DePromio, from the hardware store. Her oldest boy is a lawyer. I'll ask her. What? Diamond Court. Where?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, I've got to get through here first, but they'll go to felony court. 100 Center street, in the criminal courts building.

[Mrs. Rostek]

You sure it's not the trial? They won't send him away.

[Captain Kennelly]

All it's for is the set bail.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh. How much does their cost?

[Captain Kennelly]

You better get your lawyer, Mrs. You can ask him all about that.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, all right. I don't know, Captain. I. I raised him good. I sent him to school and to church. Been hard since I buried his father, but I sent him. He's a good boy.

[Captain Kennelly]

You get your lawyer.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I know you're very busy, Captain. Just one more thing. You know me. You know Joe a long time. 10, 12 years. I don't know. I do my best for him, Captain. My best.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, I'm sure you do.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Please, one favor. If I can go upstairs, talk to him, say something to George. Ask him why. I want to know why he did this. I can't ask him. I can't. He needed money. I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, that case is not in my hands, Mrs. Rostick.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Please, Kathy. Please.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, I'll talk to him. Come in. Captain. Yes? Patrolman Farrell has your car outside, Captain. He wants to know whether you're going.

[Detective Tully]

To patrol any this morning.

[Captain Kennelly]

If not, he'll take it down to motor maintenance. Have him look at A sticky valve.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Well, excuse me, Ted.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes. Thanks for stopping in, Mrs. Mustang.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Just talk to George. You'll speak. He's a good boy. He's a very good boy.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's all right. Bye. Oh, what'd you say about my car? Sergeant Farrell's got it outside, sir. If you're not going to patrol this morning, he'll drive down the motor maintenance and have him look at that sticky bell. I was off all day yesterday. Why didn't you take it down there? Beats me. Ken, why don't you tell him? Just a second. Yes? 21st Precinct, Captain Canary. Who? Oh, hello, Eddie. Yeah, sure, I. I got it down on my calendar. Wednesday, 4pm Clinton playground, softball field, Comets vs. Eagles. The roof doesn't fall in on us. I'll be there to see at least part of the game. I'd sure like to. Thanks for calling to remind me, Andy. Okay. Tell Farrell to come in here and talk to me about the car. Yes. Oh, and there's a communication from the Chief Inspector's office. We're getting three brand new rookies for the night tour today. Tell McCarty I want Sergeant Burns to put them on six posts tonight. Put them someplace he can keep an eye on them. Yes, sir. Right away. My operator, Patrolman Johnny Farrell, came in first and I told him to drive down to Motor Maintenance Service station number one at 16th street and Avenue C and get the valve repaired. I finished up the morning's paperwork and looked over the departmental records of the three new rookies who would report at 4pm for the night tour. At 10 o'clock I walked upstairs to the 21st Detective Squad to keep my promise to Mrs. Rostek. Most of the men were out as they should have been, making investigations on squeals assigned to them. The on duty detective sat at his desk typing out a UF61 report. A woman, obviously a narcotics addict, was on the bench in a corner waiting for detectives of the narcotics squad to come and talk to her. The door to Lt. King's office stood half open. Detective Jim Tully, who was inside, saw me come into the room, walked out to greet me. Hello, Kevin. How are you, Tully? Dragging. No sleep. I promised the mother I'd talk to that rustic boy. I've known her for years. You can talk to him, Captain, but he won't say anything to you. I know kids. I like kids. I got one of my own his age, but this one brother, well, what does he say about these deals? He's not even sorry he'd do it again. If you configure him, Captain. You win the prize. He tried to pull away from me. I had to put the cuffs on him.

[Detective Tully]

You talk to your liar man.

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, hello, Matt. I didn't think you were here. Just got back, Captain. Yeah, go ahead. His mother asked me to talk to him. Sure. Hello, George. If you're another cop, I don't want to talk to you. I've talked to enough cops. Now listen, you. You're not in here to do what you want to do. Okay, Jim? Not in here because I want to be either. George, this is Captain Kennelly. He's the commanding officer of this briefing. So? And I'm a friend of your mother's. What's that supposed to get you? Listen, boy, you're looking at a rough deal. There's no sense making it any rougher. What else could I make it? What do you want, mister? I told you I'd talk to enough cops. I've known your mother for 10 years, George. And I knew your father. Good, hard working people. That's the trouble with them. Slobs. Nothing but slobs. Not a brain in their heads. He's dead and he's just as smart now as he was before. You think you're so smart. Three years standing around trying to find out something from me, aren't you? We don't have to find out anything from you, boy. We've got you. Right. You mugged three people on the street in this precinct alone. We found that one man's wallet in your pocket. I picked it up on the subway. Lost it, Vinny. Well, tell me how you got the property that belonged to the other two. How did that wind up in your drawer? How should I know? This guy put it there to get something on me. Now listen. You weren't happy enough taking the money from them. You had to knock them down and kick them all over the sidewalk. You're the one kind of guy we don't want around here, George. We're bringing every mudding victim in from the 19th and 23rd to have a look at you. Boy, if what I think is true, we'll just about clear the books. Yeah, clear them all up. 17 years and you've already done more damage than the average guy we get in here. We're doing 70. There's no juvenile anymore. You can get the book thrown at you, George. And I'm gonna help do the throwing, see, Captain, you can get back and tell my mother how nice they treat me around here. Give her a written report. Why don't you be sensible about this thing, George. Get it straightened out. Be a little help. Help for what? Come in. Whitey's back. Where? The victims, Lieutenant. The woman, too? Yes, sir. He's here. All right. Let's have a lineup. Who've we got? There's a couple of fellas, 18 or 19, down in the cells. Car thieves. All right, get them up here. Give them a hand getting it set up, Jim. Yeah, Lieutenant, you bet. Where's Whiting? What happens, huh? Gives. Now, look, Captain. If you're a friend of my mother's, tell him to take these bracelets off, huh? Look at this. They got me chained to the chair like an animal. Look at that. Would you rather be locked up? They'll come off when you settle down. We can take them off now, Captain. What is this, a new deal? The people you kicked around and robbed are here. George, we're gonna have a party. Yeah. You're the guest of honor. The purpose of a criminal investigation is to arrive at the truth through the accumulation of evidence. Because a police officer is at the scene of a crime only in rare instances, he cannot depend upon his own direct knowledge for the truth. In cases of robbery and assault, the greatest amount of help in arriving at the truth comes from victims and witnesses who can usually identify the assailant on site. The process of identification is very exact and painstaking for two reasons. First, to protect the suspect against erroneous identification if he is innocent. And second, to establish the fact beyond all question if he's guilty. Come in. You're all set for the lineup, Lieutenant. Where are the witnesses, Jim? Across the hall. Hold them there for a minute. I'll tell you. Yes, sir. Would you like to stay around for this, Captain? Yeah, sure. Thanks, man. All right, George, on your feet. Why? Get up. Now, look, we're going out in the squad room. There's a couple more fellows we're holding out there. They and you and two young detectives are going to line up and this woman, this Mrs. Brown and the man with the claimant are going to come in one at a time. They were both mugged on the streets. What we want to see is can they pick out the one who mugged them? It's a frame up. It's all fixed. Is it? I guess it was all fixed that you had Mrs. Brown's pocketbook and Mr. Clayman's wallet at your house. Now, let's talk. Look, George, the truth has to come out. Why don't you save everybody a lot of time and trouble? Why don't you save your advice? All right, Come on. Okay, let's have the lineup. Yes, sir. All right, you boys, step over here. Over here. Come on. Well, what do you say, George? You can't duck it if you're the boy. Come on, George. All right, get lined up over there like I showed you. Yes, sir. Command all set, Lieutenant. There's one or two more men to stand up there. I don't want any mistake about this. Whitey. Max, give us a hand with us, will you? One of you on each end. All right, all right, keep it quiet. Okay, George, this is your party. Get wherever you like. Oh, what difference does it make? Go on, pick your spot. It's all a put up job anyway. Great kid, Captain. Yeah, I know what you mean. 21st Squad, stand up straight and don't jabber. Hold on, Captain Canelli. Formed for you. All right. Excuse me, madam. Yeah, sure, Captain. What about set, Lieutenant? Okay. Captain Canelli.

[Detective Tully]

Sergeant Klein. Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. Why do you think Mr. Brown's still in line there?

[Detective Tully]

He wants some information about a woman who fell down the subway stairs on April 6 and has a claim against the city pending.

[Captain Kennelly]

Did you get out the aided case car?

[Detective Tully]

Yes, sir. He wanted to talk to the officer who was on the job and the.

[Captain Kennelly]

Open that door. Open. Who was the patrolman?

[Detective Tully]

Eisman, sir. He worked a late tour last night.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, Sergeant. Tell Mr. Othniel to wait in my office. I'll be downstairs in a few minutes.

[Detective Tully]

Yes, all right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Come in, Mrs. Brown. Come off this way, please.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I have an appointment.

[Captain Kennelly]

No, I don't think so. This is Captain Kennelli, Mrs. Brown. How do you do?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Hello.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'm Lieutenant King.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Hello.

[Captain Kennelly]

You see those men standing over there, Mrs. Brown?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Yes.

[Captain Kennelly]

Could you identify any of them as the man who robbed you?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Well, it's an awful thing.

[Captain Kennelly]

I want you to be sure. I don't want any mistakes.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, there won't be any mistake.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'll be sure once you look them all over good. Every one of them.

[Mrs. Rostek]

All right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Look them over twice. You have to keep watching, Wise. See the one? Tap him on the shoulder.

[Mrs. Rostek]

And now?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, now tap him on the shoulder. Who are you kidding, Mr.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Winner?

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, all right. Hold them. The other victim is here, too. All right, the rest of you. All right. What do you think this is? Quiet, dog.

[Mrs. Rostek]

You ought to be ashamed of yourself, young man. Do you know that I had a cut in my thigh and my back was sore for a week? A week?

[Captain Kennelly]

What do you want me to do, break down and cry? That wouldn't be a bad idea, George. I'd Think a lot more of you if you did. After the second victim had identified George Rostek as his assailant, I left the detective squad and walked down the stairs through the back room to my office. Mr. Othniel of the Corporation Counsel's Office of the City of New York was waiting. He explained to me that a woman who slept on the subway stairs was making what appeared to be an unfounded claim for damages against the city. I arranged for the patrolman who answered the original call. To give his immediate and full cooperation to the Corporation Counsel's office. Meanwhile, the robbery suspect, George Rostek, had been taken by detectives to New York Hospital, where he was also identified by his latest victim. I was still at my desk when Detective Tully returned from the hospital with George Rostake with instructions to book the suspect on three charges of robbery and assault. The act of booking is the first step in the judicial process leading to trial. The charges and the circumstances of the arrest are entered in the arrest record by the desk officer in the muster room. I sat at my desk and watched procedure through the open door of my office. RCK H R, O S T, E, K. George. Any middle initial? No. No middle initial. Age? 17. Occupation? What are you? Student, George. When I work at it. Student. Robbery and assault three times. He's going down to 240 to be mugged and printed. And then to felony courts. Yeah. Let's see what you got on you, George. Thank you. Comb. 50, 70, 78. It happened faster than it could be told a citizen. A woman had opened the front door leading to the street, apparently to make some inquiry or register a complaint. She held the door open while talking to a friend who remained on the sidewalk. The 17 year old suspect saw his chance and made a break for the door. We were all out the door and out of the crowded street a few feet behind him. But he was young and fast and he knew the neighborhood. He ran across the street down the block and disappeared between buildings. Within minutes, There were over 30 uniformed officers and detectives on the job. The search continued late into the afternoon. No luck. An alarm was put out by CB to every precinct in the the city of New York. The store owned by his mother and the flat in which they lived were both put under surveillance. Detectives were sent to talk to all his known friends. By 6:15, when I signed the blotter and left the precinct to go off duty, there was still no sign of him. Nor was there when I called in twice that night and three times the next morning when I came back on the job at 3:45 in the afternoon, Lt. King was waiting in the muster room for me. Hello, Captain. Matt. You look deep. I am. No sign of him, huh? Nothing. Want to talk to you about it, Captain. Yeah, sure. We think the mother knows where he is. Yeah. Hello, Sergeant. Captain, 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. Yeah, all right. Nine, eight. What's doing, Sergeant? Nothing much, sir. A few messages. I left them on your desk. Right. We're sure she knows where he is? Did you talk to her? Yes, sir. She's a pretty bad liar, but she keeps on lying. He's not in the house or the store. I've had men watching both ever since. A lot of people go in and out of that store. What's the point, Captain? Somebody that went in knows where George is and told her. What do you want me to do? Proper? Yes. You've known her a long time. Maybe she'll open up with you. Sure, Matt. I'll talk to her. There's nothing to lose. Nothing, Captain. Nothing except Fleet. We've all lost plenty of that already. I signed the blotter, read the communications and reports and turned out the platoon for the night tour. At 4:45, I had Patrolman Farrell drive me over to Second Avenue to the small candy store run by Mrs. Rostick. I got out of the car and told him to wait. As I crossed the sidewalk, I spotted Detective Jim Tully standing in a doorway 100ft or so down the block. He had been on the job 4:48 hours straight. It was his prisoner. He wanted him back. Hello, Mrs. Larsick.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Captain. Hello.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, it looks like George is in more trouble.

[Mrs. Rostek]

He's a good boy, Captain. I tried. I did my best. It's not my fault.

[Captain Kennelly]

Nobody's blaming you.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Soda? Would you like a soda?

[Captain Kennelly]

No. No, thanks.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I'll take one. It's hot out.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where is he missing?

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't know. Not even a glass of water?

[Captain Kennelly]

No.

[Mrs. Rostek]

I have something myself. Chocolate. Smashed the way I make it. George? I don't know. Maybe I didn't raise him right. Maybe I don't give him what he needs. When Joe was alive, maybe I spent too much time in the store with Joe. Not enough raising George. Now, since I buried Joe, I have not even as much time for Josh. He was in trouble? Sure. Kid trouble. This kid's fooling around. But I try. You can't say I don't try. And I love him. He's a good boy.

[Captain Kennelly]

Lt. King tells me he thinks you know where he is.

[Mrs. Rostek]

No, I don't know. Don't ask me. I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

It's in the neighborhood someplace, isn't it?

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't know. Hello, Mrs. Doctor. Have you got Movie Glamour magazine? Right in back of your top shelf. Movie Glamour?

[Captain Kennelly]

Where?

[Mrs. Rostek]

Top shelf C. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Can I have two dimes a minute? Don't change, Mr. Glass. Use telephone. Yes, sir. They find yours? No, not yet. Oh, excuse me.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's all right.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Oh, well, I use a telephone. And don't you Worry about him, Mrs. Rossett. He's smart. They won't get here. Yes, very smart. Me too. I'm very smart. Are you sure most of the Captain?

[Captain Kennelly]

Positive.

[Mrs. Rostek]

A nice cream yet?

[Captain Kennelly]

No.

[Mrs. Rostek]

You tell me, Captain. You tell me what's best.

[Captain Kennelly]

If we don't get him soon, Mrs. Rostick, he's finished. He's young and he's got a chance to get straightened out. A good chance to get straightened out. If we don't get him, he can't do anything but get worse and worse.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Good boy. Very good.

[Captain Kennelly]

Worse and worse. So bad he'll never get straightened out. There'll be more muggings. He'll get a gun. He'll kill somebody or get killed himself.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Himself?

[Captain Kennelly]

No. That's the way it'll be. The next charge will be murder.

[Mrs. Rostek]

The line was busy, so wait and try again. I've been on the phone all the time. What's the use? Thank you, Miss Drowsy. Bye.

[Captain Kennelly]

Where is he?

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

You want him to get straightened out, don't you?

[Mrs. Rostek]

I don't know, but he does. Jonah?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Rostek]

He's been coming in for money to buy him food. He's hiding in a club room someplace. A club room? With the boys have got. I put money in the magazine. Five dollars.

[Captain Kennelly]

Thanks, Mrs. Marston.

[Mrs. Rostek]

Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes?

[Mrs. Rostek]

He's a good boy, Julian. A good boy.

[Captain Kennelly]

I hope he turns out to be. I looked both ways on the street. I saw that the girl had turned north and was walking slowly away from the store. I followed her until I got to the point where Detective Jim Tully was waiting in the vestibule. Jim. Hello, Captain. That girl, yellow dress and blonde hair. Yes, sir. George is hiding in the club room. Stay with her. She'll need you there. Thanks. Who told you? The mother? Yep. I don't get it. She was a clam with us. Why? Because George is a good boy. Get going. You lose her? Yes. And so it goes on around the clock, through the week. Every day, every year. A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. Yes, sir. What's the address? 205. 209. Inside, in front of the shoemakers. What's the trouble there? Where the men have. What kind of a gun?

[Narrator]

Incidents portrayed on tonight's 21st Precinct occurred last year. Names were changed to protect the interests of persons involved. 21st Precinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 19,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York. Everett Sloane in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's car cast were Barbara Weeks, Elaine Ross, Linda Watkins, Lawson Zerby, Bob Reddick and George Petrie. Written and directed by Stanley Niss. Produced for CBS radio by John Ives. Art Hannah.

[Captain Kennelly]

Speaking.