21st Precinct 55-01-26 (081) The Fire Escape

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: 21st Precinct 55-01-26 (081) "The Fire Escape"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: February 27, 2026
Source: 21st Precinct (original air date: January 26, 1955)
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

---

Episode Overview

This episode of "21st Precinct," titled “The Fire Escape,” is a dramatic radio play from the Golden Age of Radio that encapsulates the daily challenges and emotional complexities faced by police in mid-century New York. The story unfolds in real-time as Captain Frank Kennelly and his officers respond to a distress call about a domestic disturbance in a tenement building, ultimately leading to a tense, dangerous standoff with an unstable and armed man. The episode explores themes of mental illness, domestic violence, bystander intervention, and police tactics—all within the high-stress confines of a single, fateful night.

---

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: The 21st Precinct in Action

• The episode opens with a call coming in to the precinct reporting a man beating his wife in a tenement at 762 E 74th St.
  • “You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action…” (00:20)
• Captain Kennelly describes the precinct, staff assignments, and standard procedures for dispatching officers to disturbance calls.
  • “One of the functions of the sergeant on radio motor patrol is to respond to every call within the confines of the precinct…” (01:25)

2. The Initial Response and Neighbors’ Accounts

• Officers arrive at the tenement, meet Mrs. Helen Asher, the distressed neighbor who called in the complaint.
  • Mrs. Asher is clearly upset:
    "He comes home crazy and beats her to an inch of her life. Tonight in the hall—bad enough in their own flat, but tonight he had to do it in the hall." (03:53)
  • Mrs. Asher’s suspicions extend to the man’s previous mental illness and even the fate of her own cat, Cynthia.
    "I think he poisoned Cynthia. I swear it was him." (04:18)

3. Encounter With Mr. Gerard: Tension Escalates

• The officers try to speak with Mr. Gerard, who refuses to open the door and soon fires gunshots through it.
  • “You better go away and leave me alone.” (06:40)
  • “I warned you to go away. I warned you.” (07:57)
• Mr. Gerard is paranoid and unstable, referencing his past at a mental institution and giving erratic explanations for his behavior.
  • “I was in the state hospital, you know. That’s for people who are sick. A person can have a sick mind, just as he can have a sick heart or a sick lung.” (11:53)

4. Negotiation and Psychological Tactics

• Captain Kennelly attempts to deescalate the situation, keeping Mr. Gerard talking and away from further violence.
• Gerard alternates between passive and threatening, at one point claiming to have killed his wife.
  • “You don’t have to worry about her. I killed her. A minute ago you said she was right there. But she is right here. Right here where I killed her.” (12:43–13:06)
• The Captain and other officers gather information from Mrs. Asher and the building’s tenants, confirming Gerard’s history and fearing for the wife’s safety.

5. Police Coordination and Tactical Response

• The precinct quickly escalates the standoff: multiple units respond, the building is surrounded, and police prepare to use tear gas as a non-lethal way to enter the apartment.
  • “We’re going to try something in a few minutes. We’re going to drop a couple of gas shells through the window. Meantime, the front door will get kicked in.” (21:05)
• Officers take positions on the roof, fire escape, and rear courtyard, meticulously planning the operation to minimize risk.

6. The Climax: Resolution of the Standoff

• The plan is executed: police break the window and deploy tear gas while simultaneously forcing the door.
  • “There it goes.” (24:18)
  • “Get the gun. Get the cuffs on him. Here, come on. Give me that. Give me that gun. Give me that hand.” (24:39–25:03)
• Mr. Gerard is subdued and taken into custody, with the tragic confirmation that his wife is indeed dead.
  • “You could have left me alone. All I wanted was a little peace. That's all. Just a little peace.” (25:16)
  • “He’s dead all right, Captain. Of course he’s dead. That’s what I’ve been telling you. Can’t anyone believe me? Not even when I’m telling the truth.” (25:22–25:29)

7. Reflections and Aftermath

• Captain Kennelly delivers a sobering coda, emphasizing the relentless, unpredictable nature of police work:
  • “And so it goes, around the clock, through the week, every day, every year. The 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.” (26:43)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mrs. Helen Asher’s desperation:
  "He comes home crazy and beats her to an inch of her life... I’m tired of it. Sick and tired." (03:53)
• Mr. Gerard’s unstable reasoning:
  “You’d better go away and leave me alone.” (06:40)
  “I was in the state hospital... a person can have a sick mind just as he can have a sick heart.” (11:53)
• The Captain’s dry wit amid tension:
  "You know something, Sergeant? I don’t think that cat was poisoned at all. I think it committed suicide." (05:03)
• Gerard’s confession and sense of victimhood:
  “You don’t have to worry about her. I killed her... Right here where I killed her.” (13:04)
  “They don’t believe me and they don’t respect me. Nobody. Nobody at all. What am I gonna do?” (25:31)
• Procedural realism:
  "I'm getting a little impatient with this guy." / "Well, that's better than getting shot." (18:24)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|---------------------| | 00:20–01:25 | Introduction to the call and the precinct’s organization | | 03:28–04:45 | Mrs. Asher describes the violence and background on Mr. Gerard | | 06:31–07:57 | Officers’ first interaction and escalation with Mr. Gerard | | 11:53–13:30 | Gerard’s mental health discussion and claim of murder | | 14:53–16:06 | Police coordination and Mrs. Asher’s testimonial | | 17:32–19:34 | Tense negotiation as more officers arrive and strategize | | 21:05–22:44 | Tactical plan: tear gas and forced entry plans are set | | 24:18–25:43 | The resolution: entry, Gerard’s arrest, and confirmation of death | | 26:43–End | Captain’s poignant reflection on the endless cycle of police work |

---

Tone and Style

The episode combines the procedural realism and dry, clipped dialogue of classic police radio dramas, with underlying compassion shown in Captain Kennelly’s handling of both neighbors and suspect. The drama is marked by an aura of grim inevitability and empathy for those caught in cycles of violence and untreated mental illness.

---

Summary

“The Fire Escape” is a stark, tightly-written portrait of a police operation, blending suspense, social commentary, and emotional realism. Through measured tactics and negotiation, the episode shows both the limitations and the humanity of law enforcement in confronting tragedy. The story closes on a sobering note—reminding listeners of the heavy, ongoing responsibilities shouldered by officers, and the all-too-regular cost of lives entwined in crisis.

---

Transcript

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Really? I can get super specific with dealer listings and see cars based on my budget. You can really have it delivered or pick it up.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I think. Kid is walking up the slide.

[Mr. Gerard]

Really?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Autotrader, buy your car online? Really?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

21st preaching. Sergeant Waters. Yeah, who is it? His wife. Do they live there? Well, can't somebody stop them from beating her up? What's the address there? Yeah, yeah. You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st Precinct. All right, I'll send the officers right over there. Yeah, don't worry about it. They'll be right there.

[Narrator]

21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly, Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. I was working my night tour 4pm to 8am after midnight. 33 patrolmen were assigned to regular posts which they walked on foot. Ten others were assigned as operators and recorders in the Precinct 5 sector cars. These men were under the direct supervision of three sergeants. Sergeant Tierney on telephone switchboard duty in the station house. Sergeant Rosen on foot in congested districts. And Sergeant Waters on radio motor patrol in a sergeant's car operated by Patrolman Mercado. The sergeants were directly responsible to Lieutenant Gorman, the desk officer on the gun. One of the functions of the sergeant on radio motor patrol is to respond to every call within the confines of the precinct broadcast by the Manhattan Communications Bureau. The reason for this is twofold. To provide adequate supervision at the scene of an occurrence and to ensure the immediate response of sufficient manpower in the event the occurrence is of a more serious nature than the original call to the police indicated. At 8:05pm a radio call was broadcast for sector car number three. A disturbance in the hallway at 762 E 74th St. A four story old law tenement. As sometimes happens, the sergeant's car was closer to the scene and the first to arrive in the block. Next to the end of the block. Down there? Yes, sir. It doesn't look like there's much to it. Supposed to be inside the hall. Okay, let's go. Yes, sir. I don't see anything. Come on. Nothing. Yeah. Can you call a cop, lady?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Yes, it was me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's the trouble?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Him. The crazy one. Third floor to the rear. Yeah, he was beating her and kicking her and pulling her up the stairs.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Who?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

His wife, the poor thing.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It's all quiet now. He must have settled it.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Oh, he probably settled it by killing her. That's how he settled it. He's crazy. He's crazy enough to kill her.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's their name? Gerard.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Mr. And Mrs. Gerard. He never seen anything like the way

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

he beats up that poor woman. Did any of the other neighbors hear this?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

I don't know whether they did or not. I don't know whether they care even. All I know is that I'm tired of it. Sick and tired of it. It comes home crazy and beats her to an inch of her life. Tonight in the hall, bad enough in their own flat, but tonight he had to do it in the hall.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There's only one flat in the rear on the third floor.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Yes, that's all. Just one apartment. He ought to be locked up for good, that man. Or better, sent back to the insane asylum. That's where he belongs.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why is he there?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Well, I wouldn't say a thing like that if he'd be watned. Only he's that way all right. He don't like my cat. I think he poisoned one once. I think he poisoned Cynthia. I swear it was him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, well, it seems to have quieted down now. But we'll go up and talk to him.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Ask him if he didn't poison Cynthia. I bet he denies it. I just bet he does.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's your name? Eddie.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Mrs. Asher. Mrs. Helen Asher. E S H E R. She had no business poisoning Cynthia. No business at all.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Alright, Mrs. Asher, you get back inside and we'll take care of it.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

You send him back to that insane asylum now. That's where he belongs. You send him back there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. Just close the door. We'll see you in a minute.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

I will. But don't you forget. You too, young man.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We won't forget.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

All right, if you promise.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. It's going to be a great debate as to psycho in this case. Sergeant. Yeah? Put your light on the mailbox then. Yes. Well, see You've got the right name. Garage. Right for rear. Let's see what they have to say. You know something, Sergeant? I don't think that cat was poisoned at all. I think it committed suicide. Yeah, maybe you got a point,

[Mr. Gerard]

Sergeant. Who is it? Cody and Mr. Sergeant. All right. Doesn't look like there's anything much to it. Stay down there. Yes, sir. Come on.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. Oh, watch those roller skates.

[Narrator]

Well, that's a good way to get your neck broken.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Get believing skates in a dark hole. Yeah, Okay.

[Narrator]

Those baby carriages are bad enough, but

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

at least you can't miss seeing the baby carriage. That's it, I guess. Yes. Well, it's quiet in there. Yeah, That Mrs. Usher's probably got an oversized imagination. Well, there's someone.

[Mr. Gerard]

Who is it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Mr. Garage?

[Mr. Gerard]

Yes?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We're police officers. We want to talk to you. About what? I can't get in the hall. Open the door.

[Mr. Gerard]

No, I'm not going to open the door.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, listen, there's a complaint you are causing a disturbance in the hall. We want to get it straightened out. Open the door.

[Mr. Gerard]

You better go away and leave me alone.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where's your wife? Is she in there?

[Mr. Gerard]

Just go away, will you, please?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is your wife in there with you?

[Mr. Gerard]

I'm warning you now, go away. Look, Mr. Garage. Go away. Shut up. Killing you,

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Man. Stay against the wall.

[Mr. Gerard]

Come on up there. Colleen, leave meister there. I want you to go away.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Go away right now. Mr. Mercado, you've got to go away. Yes, sir. Go on downstairs and ringing. Tell him we got a psycho with a gun here. Yes, sir. Wait a minute. Yes, sir. Send me through the basement or around the building to get into the rear courtyard. I want to make sure this guy doesn't go out the window back there. I'll get going. Okay, sir. Mr. Girard, you better go away. I mean, it was that shooting at that sure word.

[Mr. Gerard]

What do you say about coming out

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

here and talking, Mr. Girard?

[Mr. Gerard]

Oh, no, nothing. What have we got, Sergeant?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Stay close to the wall. Hold it there.

[Mr. Gerard]

I warned you to go away. I warned you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's the trouble, Sadden? I think it's in his head. That's where the trouble is. Neighbor downstairs said he was beating up his wife in a hall. He called in, we knocked on the

[Narrator]

door and he's been shooting through it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, listen, I think his wife's in there and I don't want to hurt. I want you to go up to the roof and come down the fire escape room. Don't go near the window. I just Want you to sit there and see that he doesn't go out that way. Okay. Sergey, Stay away from their windows until we find out what's with the wife. I get it. I get going. Adjust a type app. Yes, sir.

[Mr. Gerard]

Mr. Girard, are you still there? I told you to leave.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why don't you open the door and talk to me? Get away.

[Mr. Gerard]

Away from the door. Don't you touch it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm not touching it. Is your wife in there with you?

[Mr. Gerard]

She's no better than you are. That's all she does, is to make me trouble. She makes me trouble from the minute I wake up in the morning.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, well, sometimes wives can be like that.

[Mr. Gerard]

It's not only sometimes. She's like that all the time. All the time. You don't know what I go through. You don't have any idea. She makes me so mad. I just feel like killing her. It's like killing her.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, look, Mr. Girard, it's not going to get you anyplace talking like that.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

What's going on up there? Who is that?

[Mr. Gerard]

Police officers, lady. Just your dog. Stay inside your flat.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

What?

[Mr. Gerard]

Shut your door and stay inside your flat. This is the police.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Oh, all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Who is that? A neighbor.

[Mr. Gerard]

They're just as bad as anybody. Those neighbors don't give you a minute's peace. Not a minute's peace. And they're always taking her side. I don't like them to take her side. What's between a wife and a husband is their own affair.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't you think? Yeah, I think so.

[Mr. Gerard]

You've got to make them respect you. Because if they don't respect you, you're just, like, straight under their feet.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I wouldn't go that far, Mr. Garage. Sometimes neighbors are good to have.

[Mr. Gerard]

I'm not talking about neighbors. I'm talking about wives. My wife. You gotta make them respect you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, look, supposing I come in and we'll talk it over. No, I don't want to talk it over. Come on, now. Open the door.

[Mr. Gerard]

Get away from there. I don't want to have to kill you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Open up and we'll talk it over.

[Mr. Gerard]

I'm warning you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on.

[Mr. Gerard]

You can't say I didn't warn you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, I. I can't say that.

[Mr. Gerard]

And it won't do you any good to count the shot I fire either. Because I've got a pocket full of bullets, and the gun is always loaded. I'm not gonna run out of bullets. You can put that down in your book.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's your wife doing, Mr. Girard? What? What's your wife doing?

[Mr. Gerard]

That's none of your business.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is he in there?

[Mr. Gerard]

Of course he's in there. Where'd you think he'd be? Sergeant? Who is it? I ran in. You want me up there? Post yourself down there at the front door. Keep the people out of the hall. Okay, Sergeant. Who are you talking to?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Another police officer. Oh. Is your wife close to you there?

[Mr. Gerard]

He's right here. Yes, right here in the living room.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'd like to talk to her. No, I couldn't let you do that. Why not?

[Mr. Gerard]

I couldn't let you do it, that's all. I'm sorry about all this. I don't like to cause anyone trouble.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All you gotta do is open the door.

[Mr. Gerard]

But I. I guess I've got a good excuse. I was in the state hospital, you know.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, were you?

[Mr. Gerard]

That's for people who are sick. A person can have a sick mind, just as he can have a sick heart or a sick lung.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

He's ill and he can get better.

[Mr. Gerard]

Did you know that?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I know it.

[Mr. Gerard]

That's exactly what the doctor told me, and I'm glad you realize it. Not many people realize that.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I want to talk to your wife, Mr. Garage. Why do you want to talk to her? I just wanted to tell her not to worry. I want to tell her that you won't hurt her anymore. What? I want you to promise me you won't hurt her anymore. I promise you.

[Mr. Gerard]

I give you my word of honor.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. Now, how about opening the door? No, I couldn't do that.

[Mr. Gerard]

And don't you try it either.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I warned you before and I'm warning you again. I won't try it.

[Mr. Gerard]

You better not. You want to know what's good for you? The only thing is, I'm worried about your wife. You don't have to worry about her. I killed her. A minute ago you said she was right there. But she is right here. Right here where I killed her.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You wouldn't do a thing like that, Mr. Garage.

[Mr. Gerard]

I did it. I just couldn't stand it another minute. He could have realized that I have feelings too. After all, he can't treat me like that. Somebody's gotta respect you, or you must do nothing in this world. Nothing at all. They try to make you dirt dig under their feet, and I'm tired of all that. There comes a day when a man has got to say himself.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, Mr. Girard. And this is sure your day.

[Narrator]

You are listening to 21st Precinct, a factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city. Now back to 21st Precinct and Captain Tanelli.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Within a few minutes, a radio motor patrol car from the adjoining sector detectives and an emergency service car equipped with tools and tear gas responded to the scene. Men were placed on every floor of the building, on the roof, on the fire escape and in the rear courtyard, all on the instructions of Lieutenant Matt King, Commanding Officer of the 21st Detective Squad. When the second call went out over the radio, I was in the office of a public dance hall on York Avenue, discussing with the manager complaints of rowdiness we had received concerning some of his patrons. The call was heard by Patrolman Farrell, who was waiting downstairs in the car. He came into the manager's office and gave me the information. I rang into the station house, and after Lieutenant Gorman, the desk officer, gave me whatever information he had, we made the run. There were now six department vehicles on the scene, and the sidewalk was crowded with curious civilians. Three men were on the job, keeping the crowd moving as I walked into the building where Patrolman Mercado was posted at the door. Hello, Captain Mercado. Where's Lieutenant King? Upstairs?

[Narrator]

No, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He's down here in that flat back there.

[Narrator]

He's talking to the woman who called in with the original complaint.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. Oh, yes. What about the wife? Well, the man keeps saying he killed her. All right.

[Mr. Gerard]

Is that where Lt. King is? Yes, sir. Let me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

About three or four years.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

I couldn't find.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Lads. Hello, Captain.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

The landlord would know how long they've

[Mr. Gerard]

been here, or the super.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This is Mrs. Helen Escher, Captain Kennelly.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

How do you do, Ms.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Usher? You know for a fact that he's been a patient in a mental institution?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Well, his wife told me herself, poor soul.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where does he work? Do you know that?

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

I think it's down in Wall street someplace for an insurance company. He doesn't have much of a job. A little clerk or something like that. He was the one that brought in most of the money. He was always taking time off and being sick and things like that. Hanging out at the bar and grill down at the corner there. I knew something like this was going to happen. I could just feel it. No matter what he did to her, the cruelest thing even, he would brush it off and go right on being civil to him. His sickness, she said. Well, you see what loyalty got her, don't you?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, not much, I'm telling you.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

He was beating her within an inch of her life on the stairs. I just couldn't stand by and see her take it like that. I just had to call the police

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

once and for all. All right, Ms. Fletcher. Thank you.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Do you really think he murdered her in cold blood like that?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He says he did.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Oh, mon, he should have been put away long ago. Long ago. That's what she gets for trying to be loyal. I told her. She can't say I didn't tell her.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, we better see what we can do about him.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

You be careful now. Don't let him kill you, too.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't try not to. Okay, Captain? Yeah.

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

Glad to have met you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, you two come with us. You stay down here. How many shots has he fired, ma'? Am? 4, Captain Ricardo? Yes, sir. He's upstairs with us. Yes, sir. He fired four shots. He told Sergeant Waters he had a pocket full of ammunition. Did he shoot his wife? We don't know how he killed her if he did. Carter went. Sergeant Waters were here within two minutes after the call was put out. Oh, I see. Well, Captain Gail Bender. Hello. Next squad, Captain. A couple was in their flat already, Sergeant. Warders heard no shot. I don't want anybody hurt over this man. I think we can take him without anybody getting hurt.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's it. First door up there. Stay close to the wall, Captain. Hello, Sergeant. You men hold it there. Okay, Lieutenant. You've been talking to him, Sergeant? Yes, sir. Think he wants to come out now? Give him. No sign of it. Mr. Girard. Mr. Girard.

[Mr. Gerard]

What have you got out there, more policemen?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Look, Mr. Girard.

[Mr. Gerard]

And you've got policemen on the fire escape, too. You're making a big mistake, you know. You're forcing me to kill someone else. I don't want to kill anyone else. It's going to be your fault. Everything's going to be your fault.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, how about unlocking this door and coming out? Then? No one else will get hurt.

[Mr. Gerard]

You know I'm not going to do that.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You have to do it if you want to get your wife to the hospital.

[Mr. Gerard]

I didn't say I wanted anything like that. My wife is dead. No use taking her to the hospital. You better go away. Leave me alone. Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah? You aren't kidding. I see all four shots came through the door. Yeah.

[Narrator]

He meant it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Come here, Sacking. Okay, Lieutenant. Keep your eye on the door, Mercado. Yes, sir. I'm getting a little impatient with this guy. Well, that's better than getting shot. Yes, sir. Sure is. How much do you think it would take to kick that door in, Sergeant? Not much, Lieutenant. One good boot at the lock. Unless he has an extra bolt on it or a chain. Yeah. What's he gonna do while I'm kicking the door? I was thinking about having the ESD men crack that window from the fire escape. Dropping a gas shell in there. If he does, any shooting would be toward the fire escape. We could have the door open in the meantime. Sounds all right, Lieutenant. When he starts shooting. How am I supposed to know whether he's shooting through the door or toward the window? No. What do you think about the wife? Think she's dead in there? He keeps saying she is. I believe him.

[Narrator]

Go up to the roof.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Take a look at the situation on the fire escape. Okay, Captain? Yeah, sure. Better get back on the door, Sergeant. He talks, I want him to talk to you. Okay, Lieutenant. All right, son. All right, Captain. These guys can be a lot more trouble than a red hot gunman. Yeah, well, you don't have to worry about hurting the gunman, man. And you know, you have to take a chance.

[Narrator]

Chance.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's the only way. Fellow sure full of fright. Yeah. Yes, he is. You mind keeping those people behind the doors? Yeah, I'm. Tell me, how long was he confined, Matt? You know, best information we can get. He was up there nearly four years. Why'd they let him out? That's the first question I'm going to ask now. I just fix that down onto the roof? Yeah, back that way. The window of the room he's in opens onto the fire escape. Yes, sir. Maybe we'll be able to work it. I think so, Captain. Now, watch it here. Yeah, I'll go for it. You've got a blank brick wall facing this building. Wild shots won't hurt anyone. No. Who's down there? There's Colleen deluca and two emergency servicemen. Are you staying away from the window? Yes, sir. This is far enough. Captain.

[Mr. Gerard]

Collie. Yes, Chris. Come on up here a minute. Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Have they been able to get a look into the room from the window, Matt? He's got the shade drawn down to the bottom. The window's locked. Oh, I see. Only thing they can see is that there's a light on in there. Nothing else? Yeah, this. What's the situation? No change, Lieutenant. All right. We're going to try something in a few minutes. Yes. We're going to drop a couple of gas shells through the window. Meantime, the front door will get kicked in. Okay, Lieutenant? Fine. It's getting pretty cold out here. Here's how we're going to do it. One ESD man down there has a crowbar. The other one's got the tear Gas. All right. Now, we'll use the crowbar to knock out the window and drop a shell in. As soon as it takes effect, we'll hit the front door. Yes, and I want everybody out here to stay undercover. He'll probably be shooting this way. Don't try to come in the window. Not until you're sure he's under control. I don't want any dead heroes. Yes, sir. All right, come on back down there, Chloe. Let you know when we're ready. Right, sir. I'll be here. Okay, Matt. You know it works. Yeah. I think I ought to stay out here with these men. You handle the situation in the hall. That all right, Captain? Okay. Gonna take pretty close timing. Well, I think all you have to do is know we're set before you break the glass. I'll send a man up to pass the word. Okay? Okay. All right, Matt. I'll see you, Captain. Yeah. Yeah, man. Got to be fast. It will be okay,

[Mr. Gerard]

Captain. I'm coming down.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Marlo Meister rang into the house, the Senate go and told him to tell you that Inspector McBride is on his way. Oh, and the PC has been notified. It'll probably be all over by the time they get here. Anything doing in there, Sergeant? I had a couple of words with them, that's all. Nothing new, Captain. Well, okay.

[Mr. Gerard]

Here's the story.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. When they break the window on the fire escape and drop in a tear gas shell, we'll kick in the door. Okay? Yes, sir. I guess it's got to be okay. You think right about at the lock ought to do the trick. Yes, that ought to do it. Unless, like I said, he's got a slide bolt or a chain on there, too. You talk to him. See if he's still at the door.

[Mr. Gerard]

Yes, sir. Mr. Girard. Mr. Girard.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What is it? Don't you think we've been out here long enough? Now, how about opening the door and talking to it?

[Mr. Gerard]

I'm talking to you, but this can go on all night.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Marano. Yes, sir.

[Mr. Gerard]

We don't want to be.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You go on up to the roof. Tell Lt. King whiffs at any time he's ready. Now, what do you say? Yes, sir. Now, how about it? We've been at this long enough and so have you.

[Mr. Gerard]

No, not me. I'm going to stay here forever. Forever.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's a long time.

[Mr. Gerard]

I know it. I know it's an awful long time, but I'm going to stay. Stay here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay.

[Narrator]

So can we.

[Mr. Gerard]

That's your business.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Get set, Sergeant. Yes, sir. I'm set. I'll wait for the glass.

[Mr. Gerard]

All you have to do is go away and leave me alone. I'm not bothering you. I don't bother anyone. No one at all. Just go away. Do all you have to do.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There it goes.

[Mr. Gerard]

Get away from there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hold it.

[Mr. Gerard]

Get away. I'll tell you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Not. Not yet.

[Mr. Gerard]

What are you doing? What's that?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hold it. Yeah.

[Mr. Gerard]

What are you doing to me? Get that out of here. Get in the house. What are you doing? I want

[Mrs. Helen Asher]

to get.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Mr. Gerard]

There he is. Rather cut it off. Come here. Let me go. Get him down. Let me wall with him. That's it. Leave me alone. All right, get the gun. Get the cuffs on him. Here, come on. Give me that. Give me that gun. Give me that hand. I've got it, Louis. Go.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, that's good. That's got it.

[Mr. Gerard]

Come on, man.

[Narrator]

Get him up.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on. Get him off the floor. Let's go. You didn't have to. You didn't have to do it. Okay? This is good.

[Mr. Gerard]

You could have me alone. All I wanted was a little peace.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's all.

[Mr. Gerard]

Just a little peace.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I guess. He's dead all right, Captain.

[Mr. Gerard]

Of course he's dead. That's what I've been telling you. Can't anyone believe me? Not even when I'm telling the truth.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, Mr. Garage.

[Mr. Gerard]

They don't believe me and they don't respect me. Nobody. Nobody at all. What am I gonna do? I don't know what I'm gonna do.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You don't have to worry about what you're going to do, Mr. Gerard. It'll all be done for you. 21st. Preaching. Sergeant Waters. Yeah. How'd they break in? Yeah. Yeah. Now, what's missing? Oh, yeah. What's the name of the owner there? Oh, he does, huh? Is CB Putting out a call on it? Yeah. Okay. All right. Let me know about that. Okay. Now, I'll notify the detectives and let you know. Yeah, all right. And so it goes around the clock through the week, every day, every year. The police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brassling can catch anyone.

[Narrator]

21st Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police department, City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Harold Stone as Sergeant Waters. The featured in tonight's cast were Ethel Everett, Frank Moth, Bill Quinn and Eric Dressler. Written and directed by Stanley Nist. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Art Hannah speaking.