Dragnet 49-07-14 006 Red Light Bandit

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – Episode Summary: Dragnet 49-07-14 006 "Red Light Bandit"

Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Experience the gripping tales from the Golden Age of Radio, where families gathered around their radios to immerse themselves in thrilling dramas like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. In this episode, "Red Light Bandit," listeners are taken on a riveting journey through a real crime case, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated police detectives.

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1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with a compelling narration setting the stage for the real-life drama about to unfold:

Narrator (00:08): "Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

Listeners are introduced to the case of the Red Light Bandit, a cunning criminal impersonating a police officer to commit a series of heinous crimes, including robbery, assault, and kidnapping. The narrative emphasizes the collaboration between the show and the Los Angeles Police Department, promising an authentic portrayal of the investigation.

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2. Meet Detectives Friday and Romero

The story centers around two dedicated detectives, Sergeant Friday and Sergeant Romero, tasked with apprehending the elusive Red Light Bandit.

Detective Romero (01:25): "It was Wednesday, June 4th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night. Watch out. A robbery detail."

The episode delves into their professional lives and personal interactions, highlighting their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the community.

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3. A Chance Encounter with Johnny Savage

Amidst their duties, Detectives Friday and Romero encounter Johnny Savage, a familiar figure from a past case involving liquor store robberies.

Johnny Savage (02:21): "George, Johnny. Sergeant Johnny Savage. Remember now?"

This meeting rekindles memories of Savage's criminal past and reveals his recent release from prison after serving ten years. Despite his attempts to reconcile, Savage's presence adds tension, suggesting possible future conflicts.

Johnny Savage (03:02): "I'm working nights. What kind of a job? Laborer in a warehouse, south end of town."

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4. The Escalation of Crimes

Shortly after their interaction with Savage, Detectives Friday and Romero respond to a series of violent robberies orchestrated by the Red Light Bandit. The suspect's modus operandi involves impersonating a police officer, gaining victims' trust, and committing brutal assaults.

One of the victims, Mr. Thomas, recounts his harrowing experience:

Mr. Thomas (05:09): "He looked like a cop. Barged right up to me and the wife behind the counter and pointed a gun and she screamed and he hit her in the face with the butt of the gun, Sergeant. It was horrible."

Another victim, Mrs. Jameson, provides a similar account, emphasizing the suspect's menacing behavior:

Mrs. Jameson (07:15): "He was tall and he had dark hair and big hands. It was like a nightmare, a horrible nightmare."

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5. The Manhunt Intensifies

As the crimes escalate, Detectives Friday and Romero intensify their efforts to capture the Red Light Bandit. They analyze patterns, collect witness testimonies, and collaborate with other units to build a comprehensive profile of the suspect.

Detective Friday (08:16): "We sent all the victims down to personnel. Lowry showed him the mug book of all police officers. Wasn't one of our men."

Despite their thorough investigation, the Red Light Bandit remains elusive, committing multiple crimes across different districts, including liquor store holdups and car robberies.

Detective Friday (12:02): "That car up there ahead, let's take a look at it, huh?"

Their pursuit involves tactical maneuvers, including high-speed chases and strategic check-points, demonstrating the detectives' unwavering dedication.

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6. A Desperate Father’s Plea

In a critical turn of events, Carl Savage, the father of one of Johnny Savage's victims, approaches Detectives Friday and Romero with vital information that could lead to the capture of the Red Light Bandit.

Carl Savage (20:01): "My name is Carl Savage. My son's name is John. I wish for you to catch him. I will help you."

Carl reveals that Johnny Savage is likely using stolen cars with fake license plates, making traditional tracking methods ineffective. He provides insights into Johnny's habits and possible hideouts, significantly aiding the detectives' efforts.

Carl Savage (21:11): "He always comes back for money."

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7. The Climactic Pursuit and Capture

Armed with new information, Detectives Friday and Romero coordinate a large-scale manhunt involving multiple patrol units. The collective effort leads to a high-stakes pursuit down Wilshire Boulevard, culminating in the dramatic arrest of Johnny Savage.

Detective Romero (25:07): "Control four, we are headed east on Wilshire Boulevard, crossing La Brea."

The chase is marked by intense navigation through city traffic, strategic alleyways, and coordinated team movements. The detectives' perseverance pays off as they corner Savage in Sherman Alley.

Detective Friday (26:16): "Savage, you're through. Throw your gun out and come out with your hands up."

Savage's resistance and attempt to escape are swiftly handled, resulting in his apprehension after a tense confrontation.

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8. Resolution and Reflection

The episode concludes with the official resolution of the case. Johnny Savage is tried, convicted, and ultimately executed for his crimes, providing closure to the community and his victims.

Narrator (28:09): "John Savage was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree. He was executed in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary."

The segment honors the real-life heroes of the Los Angeles Police Department, acknowledging their bravery and dedication.

Narrator (28:20): "Patrol Officer Robert Steele of the Montana State Highway Patrol, who, on the morning of November 2, 1947, gave his life so that yours might be more secure."

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Key Takeaways and Themes

• Justice and Perseverance: The relentless pursuit by Detectives Friday and Romero underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uphold justice and protect the community.

• Impact of Crime on Individuals: Through characters like Carl Savage and the victims, the narrative highlights the profound personal and emotional toll that crime takes on individuals and their families.

• Collaboration and Community Effort: The successful capture of Johnny Savage is attributed to the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement units and the invaluable information provided by community members.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Detective Romero (01:25): "It was Wednesday, June 4th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night. Watch out. A robbery detail."

• Mr. Thomas (05:09): "He looked like a cop. Barged right up to me and the wife behind the counter and pointed a gun and she screamed and he hit her in the face with the butt of the gun, Sergeant. It was horrible."

• Mrs. Jameson (07:15): "He was tall and he had dark hair and big hands. It was like a nightmare, a horrible nightmare."

• Detective Friday (08:16): "We sent all the victims down to personnel. Lowry showed him the mug book of all police officers. Wasn't one of our men."

• Carl Savage (20:01): "My name is Carl Savage. My son's name is John. I wish for you to catch him. I will help you."

• Narrator (28:09): "John Savage was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree. He was executed in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary."

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Conclusion

"Red Light Bandit" masterfully encapsulates the tension, strategy, and heroism inherent in crime investigations. Through immersive storytelling and authentic dialogue, the episode pays tribute to the dedicated officers who work tirelessly to ensure public safety. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the complexities of law enforcement and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Transcript

[A]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed. To protect the innocent. NBC brings you Dragnet. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to robbery detail. A ruthless fiend roams the streets of your city, masquerading as a police officer. For months, helpless citizens have been robbed, beaten senseless and kidnapped. The criminal is a twisted genius. Vicious, cunning. Your job is to get him, Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime investigated and solved by the men who unrelated the relentingly stand watch on the security of your home, your family and your life. For the next 30 minutes. In cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. From official police files, from beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[B]

It was Wednesday, June 4th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Ed Backstrand, Chief of detectives. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from communications and it was 11:13pm when I got to room 27. A robbery detailed.

[A]

Oh, hi, Joe.

[B]

Hi, Ben. Did you get that message to call home?

[A]

Yeah. Bad news.

[B]

What's the matter?

[A]

That dog gone? Kid of mine checking parts.

[B]

Oh, again.

[A]

Last year it was the mumps. Year before that, the measles. Every time I get set for a vacation, he decides to catch some.

[B]

Forget it, Ben. Think what a comfort he's going to be in your old age.

[A]

Go ahead, lad. You'll find out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How are you, Friday? Romero? Fine. What can we do for you? You don't look like you remember me.

[B]

Oh, no. Wait a minute. The name's Savage, isn't it?

[A]

George, Johnny. Sergeant Johnny Savage. Remember now? Oh, sure. Those liquor store robbers out in the Wilshire district. About six, seven years ago, wasn't it? Ten years, Romero. You ought to remember that. You're with the trial. We testify in court every week. Ten years is a long time. It's longer in the state pen. It's a lot longer.

[B]

You cried a little at that trial, didn't you, Savage? You said we beat that confession out of you.

[A]

Yeah. That's why I figured I'd drop in for a little visit. I kind of apologized to you fellas. You gave me a square deal. I guess I kind of lost my head. I figured I'd apologize.

[B]

Oh, that's all right, Savage. When did you get out?

[A]

Couple of weeks ago. I did it the hard way served 10 flat. I don't owe my day.

[B]

You find a job yet?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Friday.

[A]

I'm working nights. What kind of a job? Laborer in a warehouse, south end of town. Good, you decided to level. Ten years in prison's a long time. You learn a lot of things. Nights are long. You think a lot. You get things straightened out.

[B]

I hope you mean that.

[A]

Sure, I mean it. Friday, I've got everything straightened out. I know who my friends are and I know who to watch out for. You sound like maybe you're on the right track. I got it figured, Romero. Like you two fellas. You caught me red handed and you sent me up for 10 years.

[B]

Well, you did all right, Savage. Five armed robberies. You got off pretty easy.

[A]

You got a break, Savage? Make the best of it. Sure, I'm not kicking 10 years. A real break.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

Well, just dropped in for a little visit. Maybe I'll see you fellas sometime.

[B]

All right, Savage. Keep your nose clean.

[A]

Sure. No hard feelings?

[B]

No.

[A]

You just took 10 years of my life, that's all.

[B]

There's no such thing as a man going through prison without changing. And Ben and I have seen him switch in both directions. Some men learn their lesson after they land behind bars. And when they're released, they turn into good citizens. Johnny Savage was sour. We made a mental note to check him out later on. Then we went down to the record bureau and pulled his coming out mug. That's about all we had time for. Because about an hour later we started to get busy.

[A]

Hotshot Joe Gravity on the corner of Selma and Naples. The drugstore. 211 and probable attack on the corner of Selma and Naples. 211. What you got, Joe?

[B]

Selma and Naples. 211 and attack. Come on.

[A]

Here we are, Joe. Smoke around the four corner. Yeah.

[B]

All right. Come on. We got the story from the victim, the store owner, Mr. Thomas. For the most part, it was the usual rundown of an early morning holdup. There was only one exception.

[A]

Oh, I've had young hoodlums try to hold me up before, but there was nothing like this one. How you mean, Mr. Thomas? Well, he came in here just before closing. And ordinarily I'd have kept an eye out because it's time to look for him. But this fella came to the door and said he was a policeman. So I let him in. He looked like a cop. Barged right up to me and the wife behind the counter and pointed a gun and she screamed and he hit her in the face with the Butt of the gun, Sergeant. It was horrible.

[B]

That's the way it started and that's the way it kept going. Because most of the victim and most people don't realize that as a citizen, they have the right to check on police officers identification when in doubt. After we got the story from Mr. Thomas and checked the store in the neighborhood, Ben and I headed back for the office.

[A]

Attention all units at the end of North Baxter Road near hillcrest. Victim of 211 and slugging car 7172. Take the call. Code three. Attention.

[B]

That's four blocks away from the last one. Let's roll on it, huh, Ben?

[A]

Right. I'll hit the siren. You get the.

[B]

By the time Ben and I got up to the end of North Baxter, the men from car 71 were already there. The victim was telling his story. His face looked like it had been through a meat grinder.

[A]

We're just shifting the car into second to make the hill when I hear this siren behind me and I see this red light flashing in the side view mirror. Well, naturally, I pulled over to the curb and I was just reaching for my driver's license when the cop runs up, yanks me out of the car and starts clubbing me in the face with the butt of his gun. Did you get a look at him? Think you can describe him? No, I'm afraid not. He swung me around and kept me staring into that red light on his car. All the time he was beating me. After a while, everything just went black. When I woke up, my wallet was gone. All my money.

[B]

45 minutes later, Ben and I were interviewing the third victim. A young housewife out in the Wilshire district. Same trademark.

[A]

I tried to tell him, Sergeant. I tried to tell him I didn't have any money, but he wouldn't listen. He kept holding me by the throat, beating me with his fist like he enjoyed it. Beating me, beating me. Yeah, all right. All right.

[B]

Mrs. Jameson, could you tell us how he got in the house?

[A]

He came in the front door and rang the bell. I opened the door, but I left the burglar chain on. He said he was a policeman. So when he demanded I open the door all the way, I did, and he grabbed me. And you can't describe the man for us, Ms. Jameson? He was tall and he had dark hair and big hands. It was like a nightmare, a horrible nightmare. Tall, dark hair, big hands. Your guess, the same as mine, Joe?

[B]

Maybe. Let's wait and see. Come on, let's check with the boss.

[A]

Hi, Mike. Hi. He's Waiting for you in there.

[B]

Come on, Ben.

[A]

Heaven. Detectives. Hannah, sit down. Yeah, Skip. All right, you two, let's have it. The guy with the red light? Yes, the guy with the red light. Posing as a policeman. Why hasn't he been picked up?

[B]

You know as much about it as we do, Ed. We got our first call around midnight. He knocked over a drugstore out on Selma. He hasn't stopped working since.

[A]

Didn't you get any definite lead on him? No description, no license number, nothing.

[B]

He's tall, big hands, dark hair.

[A]

That's all fine. Either of you got any ideas? Could be anybody, Skipper. With that description, you're sure it wasn't anybody on the force?

[B]

We sent all the victims down to personnel. Lowry showed him the mug book of all police officers. Wasn't one of our men.

[A]

Works fast. Drug store motorist, a pedestrian and a housewife out in the Wilshire district went right in the house after her. Four of them right in a row. Five, huh? There's a 20 year old kid in the next room. Came in just before you got here. A couple hours ago. He was sitting in a car with this girl up in Mulholland Drive. This red light bandit comes along, slugs him and kidnaps the girl. Kidnapped? She still missed. Not a trace.

[B]

When did this happen?

[A]

A couple of hours ago. They brought the kid over from Georgia Street Hospital. We can talk to him now. He's had a bad time. Right in here. Okay, Pete, we're going to have to ask you a few more questions. Oh, yeah, okay. It feels a little better now. This is Sergeant Friday and Sergeant Romero. Hi, Pete. Hi.

[B]

Can you tell us what time the trouble started?

[A]

Oh, about 10:15, 10:30. Sally and I were sitting in the car talking about where we were going on our honeymoon. We're gonna be married next month. And then this car pulls up behind us and starts flashing a red spotlight on us. And a guy runs over and pulls open the door. He said he was a cop. Did you get a good look at his car, Pete? I think it was a black sedan.

[B]

Did you get a look at the man, Pete?

[A]

No. No, I didn't. It was pretty dark and he kept me staring into that red spotlight. It all happened so fast. Then he started slugging me and I went down.

[B]

What happened then?

[A]

Well, the next thing I knew, Sally was screaming. He had one hand on her throat and he had her backed up against the side of the car. He was beating her with the other hand. Some kind of a short billy club. I got up and I started for him and he Slugged me again. When I came to, Sally was gone.

[B]

Anybody check the area up there, Ed?

[A]

Yeah. Davis and Griffin didn't find a thing. Oh, Sergeant, you gotta find her. You got to. I wouldn't know what to tell her folks. I wouldn't know what to say. That's all right, Pete. We'll find her. You take it easy. Got a hotshot, Ed, up in Summit Road near Westmore. A woman unconscious. Ambulance follow up, possible dead body. All right, Hannon, look after Pete here. Friday, Romero, let's go up ahead. Romero, to the right. Okay, skip.

[B]

Yeah. There's the ambulance and the cruiser car.

[A]

You're a lonely looking spot. All right. Come on.

[B]

Hiya, Doc. What'd you find?

[A]

Hiya, fellas. Right over here. Just gonna take her in. Where'd you find her? Over there by the side of the road. Somebody driving by us saw her. They called us.

[B]

Any identification?

[A]

This bracelet on her wrist. To my dearest Sally from Pete, December 25, 1947. That's a girl, all right. What are the chances, Doc? I wouldn't bet on him. Pretty bad shape. Well, have you seen enough? Yeah. Friday, Romero, call the crime lab and check the area for footprints and tire tracks. I'll ride back in the ambulance with the girl. If she regains consciousness, I want to talk to her. All right? Okay, Ed, I'll meet you in the office by 8:30. We're working straight through till we get this guy. Sit at the office giver.

[B]

What time you got, Ben?

[A]

Seven minutes to 4. Long night.

[B]

That car up there ahead, let's take a look at it, huh?

[A]

Black sedan. Hey, look. He's flashing a red spot on that convertible.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

He sees us. Joe, he's pulling away.

[B]

Get that gas pedal down to the floor.

[A]

Go already. There. He's turning off. Right.

[B]

Hit the siren. I'll get the light. We're gaining a little bend. Next corner to the left.

[A]

Joe. Where'd he go?

[B]

It's a fancy driver. Try the alley up ahead to the left here.

[A]

Must have turned up that cross street.

[B]

Get through the alley and double back on him.

[A]

Right.

[B]

There he is. Ben, look out.

[A]

Watch it, watch it. He's going to ram us.

[B]

We got hit just in front of the rear bumper. Our car was forced into the curbing and it turned over. He was real lucky. He kept right on going. But this Ben and I were sharing the luck. All we got out of it was a couple of nasty cracks in the head and a few bruises. But it was enough to keep us in a hospital under observation for a Day. By this time, Ed Backstrand was fuming. So were the newspapers. During the day we spent in the hospital, the red light bandit went on a real blitz. He pulled six more jobs. One liquor store, two residential holdups and three car robberies. Five of the six victims were slugged and beaten. Davis and Griffin had taken over for Ben and me. And by the time we got back on the job, they'd built up a lead for.

[A]

We've been working with Wilkeson up in auto theft, Joe. He's used four stolen cars already. We got the makes and numbers on each one of them. How about the dark sedan he was driving when he rammed us? The boys picked it up this morning out on Sepulved him. We're checking it for Prince now.

[B]

That's fine, Dave. You got any description on the guy yet?

[A]

No luck there, Joe. He works too fast.

[B]

Nothing at all.

[A]

The same as you had. Tall, black hair, big hands, Loves to use them Friday. Romero, got a minute? Okay, skipper. Check you later. Hyundai. Sure thing, boys. Sit down. How do you feel?

[B]

Pretty fair, Ed.

[A]

Little stiff here and there. All right. Did Davis fill you in?

[B]

Up to date.

[A]

Okay. I just called the doctor who's handling Sally Wilder. Pete's girlfriend, you remember. Oh, yeah. She's been in pretty bad shape since we found her up there on Summit Road. This morning. She took a turn for the better. She's conscious, and her doctor thinks she might be able to talk to us a little bit.

[B]

Good. When?

[A]

About an hour. I cleared it with the doctor and with her family. You'll only be able to stay a couple of minutes and make the most of them. That's all.

[B]

All right, Ed. We'll check with you later.

[A]

Say, Joe, Ben. Here's some mail came for you fellas while you were gone. Oh, thank you, Mike. We're going over the county hospital. We ought to be back in a couple hours. Okay. Say, there's been a couple of phone calls too. Yeah?

[B]

Anything important?

[A]

I don't think so. The guy just called to say hello. Said his name was Johnny Savage. Just called to say hello. I presume you men are aware of the girl's critical condition.

[B]

Yeah, that's right, Dr. Frohman.

[A]

We saw her before she was taken here at the hospital. Ah, yes. You understand, of course, that you'll be able to see her for only a few minutes. And please try your best not to excite her, huh?

[B]

Right, Doctor.

[A]

Sally isn't able to talk. Bad mouth and face injuries. So your questions will have to be answered simply yes or no, and nod of the head.

[B]

Okay, we got you. We only have a few questions and we want to know if she can identify the man who beat her from these pictures we've got here.

[A]

All right, Sergeant, this way, please.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Sally. Sally, these gentlemen are from the police department. They'd like to ask you a few questions. Now there's no need to be nervous or afraid. Just simply nod your head yes or no. That's fine. All right, sergeant.

[B]

Sally, did you see the man who attacked you?

[A]

Yes. She says yes.

[B]

Did you get a good look at his face? You did? All right, Sally, now you can answer these three together. Just yes or no. Was he tall? Did he have dark hair? Did he have large hands? He did. Ben, you got. Jim, hand me the folder.

[A]

Here you are.

[B]

Thanks. Now there's just one more thing, Sally. I'm gonna show you some pictures. Now take all the time you want before you make up your mind about each one. If you recognize any one of these men as the person who attacked you, just nod your head. All right, that's fine. Good. Here's the first one. No. All right, here's the next one. No. How about this one? No. All right, here's another. You recognize him? This was the man. Are you sure, Sally? Thank you. That's all. Let's go.

[A]

Did you find what you wanted, sergeant?

[B]

Yes, doctor, we did. Here, it's this one.

[A]

Hmm. Nice looking chap. Who is he, sergeant?

[B]

His name's Savage, Dr. Frohman. Johnny Savage. When we got back to the office, we checked in with Ed Backstrand in five minutes in all points bulletin and a full description of the suspect was broadcast to every radio car, every motorcycle officer, to every sheriff and law enforcement agency in Los Angeles and Southern California. By nightfall our manhunt was on. More than a dozen extra patrol units were called in for duty that night. And when they pulled out of the police garage, the name, the picture and the full description of Johnny Savage was in the possession of every officer. The same for the patrolman. Whether they walked a beat downtown or out in the residential areas, the picture of Johnny Savage went with them. Everything was done that could be done. On the second night of the manhunt, far out on the edge of town, Johnny Savage, the red light bandit, got his 12th victim, a 63 year old storekeeper, attendant and.

[A]

All units, 939 Markham street near Clark. 211 and slugging. Code 3. Ambulance dispatched. All units, 939 MarkHam street near Clark. Here it is, skipper. Tying. What'd you get? Wilkerson lifted the prints off that black sedan at Ram Joe and Me. Yeah?

[B]

They belong to Johnny Savage.

[A]

Yeah, Good. That storekeeper last night, he's a savage, all right. Victim identified him from his mug. All right. We got enough in this Savage guy to put him on ice for life. All we have to do now is to get him.

[B]

Now, look, the way we figure it, Ed, this red light bandit is using stolen cars with coal plates. So there's no way of tracking down the cars at regular commercial garages. He's got to be renting private garages someplace around town.

[A]

All right. Let's get the neighborhood patrolman on the job. Advertise it all over town. It's a city ordinance, isn't it? People who rent private garages are bound by law to register the car and license number with the police. Start a campaign if you want, but find those cars. Right, And. Wait a minute. Hello? Backstrand. Yeah. When I see. Yeah, thanks.

[B]

What is it, Ed?

[A]

It was the hospital about the girl, Sally. Sally Wilder. What about her? She died five minutes ago.

[B]

That night everybody went back on the job as usual. The cruiser cars, the patrolman, the motorcycle officers and about a dozen decoy cars. Armed police women riding alone in cars or parked in lonely spots with a police officer escort. Our car, ADK was still in the garage for repairs. So they assigned us another one and we started to make the rounds. Everything was usual except one thing. We weren't tracking down just a thief anymore or a sadist who liked to beat people's faces in. We were out to get a murderer. It was a perfect night for the suspect. Dark, no moon. I gave Ben two to one odds and I put up $5 that we'd get savage that night. I lost the $5. We cruised until seven the next morning, but there wasn't even a nibble. We had breakfast at the Federal Cafe, a little restaurant down the street from the City hall. And was about 8:15 when we got back to the office. We were pretty tired.

[A]

Robert detail. Romero. I would like to speak to Sergeant Friday. Just a minute. It's for you, Jill.

[B]

Okay, thanks. Friday talking.

[A]

Sergeant Friday, I want to talk to you.

[B]

Well, I'm listening. Go ahead.

[A]

I mean, I want to talk to you in person as soon as possible.

[B]

Can't you tell me over the phone? What is it?

[A]

I cannot tell you over the phone. It is very important. Can you come now?

[B]

Well, now, look, mister, I'm awful sorry, but we're very busy down here.

[A]

554 Ramona Avenue. Can you come now?

[B]

What's this all about? Who is this speaking?

[A]

My name is Carl Savage. My son's name is John. Here it is. Joe. Neat looking little play. Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

I'm Sergeant Friday. You Mr. Savage?

[A]

Yeah. Come in.

[B]

Okay. This is my partner, Sergeant Romero.

[A]

How do you do? I will be brief, gentlemen. I am the father of John Savage. I wish for you to catch him. I will help you. I noticed a name on the mailbox outside, Mr. Savage. Changed your name lately? I changed my name 10 years ago. When John first got into trouble. My own name I had to change. The shame. Always from him. My son. Shame.

[B]

Mr. Savage, has your son been home since he got out of prison?

[A]

Yeah, many times to ask for money. I would not give him any. So he struck me. Last night I read in the newspaper. The little girl he beat up. She is dead. Then I make up my mind.

[B]

Do you know where your son is now, Mr. Savage?

[A]

Not now, no. But our garage has a car in there. It is not his. I know. Also in the garage I find many license plates. I find spotlights with red glass lens. But you don't have any idea where we could find him? No. But he will come back. He always comes back for money.

[B]

We're going to station an officer here in the house, Mr. Savage.

[A]

Anything you want. If it will catch him. He's bad, Sergeant. Like something poison. All true, he's bad. See a sewing basket over, Mr. Savage. The wife live here with you? Ten days ago, before this starts, I bury Gertrude, my wife. His mother, sergeant. For 10 years she's sick. But for 10 years she stays alive to see him from prison. 10 days ago she died. He did not even come to the funeral.

[B]

Did your son have any idea that you might call us?

[A]

No. No, I don't think so. But when you catch him, give me a gun with my own two hands. I will kill him. Johnny Savage.

[B]

Before we left, we. We called Ed Backstrand and we brought him up to date. He sent three detectives out to relieve us. Davis, Griffin and Marsh. We told them to keep an eye on the house and the stolen car in the garage. That night after dinner, Ed Backstrand, Ben and I went out and relieved them. We parked the cruiser car in the garage next door. Then we took up our posts. Carl Savage had a light supper and then he went to bed. About nine, the three of us sat at the front windows in the darkened house. And we waited. Ben kept his eye on the garage. Outside, across the city, the manhunt continued as usual. Three hours went by. The waiting got monotonous brandy.

[A]

Romero, look alive, will You? Oh, yes, Kipper. I'm sorry.

[B]

That clock's enough to put anybody to sleep.

[A]

What time you got? 12.23am thanks.

[B]

The clock kept ticking. We were tired. We took turns keeping each other awake. At 10 minutes past 2, I looked at my watch and then I settled back and tried to find some kind of a comfortable position. They started so faintly. It was just like the ticking of the clock. Same rhythm. And then they came closer and the sounds got out of rhythm. Backstrand's head came up with a snap.

[A]

Freddy Romero. You hear that?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I got to the window. Watch the curtains. You see anything? Yeah. Yeah, somebody's coming. Savage? Can't tell. Wait a minute. He's going down. He's going up the driveway to the garage. He's going inside.

[B]

That's him. Come on. Watch it. He spotted us. Went over that fence into the yard. There he is.

[A]

Friday. You hit him, Joe?

[B]

Maybe.

[A]

Going for the street.

[B]

He said it for that car. Ed, that sedan up on the corner there.

[A]

Yeah, Romero. Go back and get the car. All right. Must have parked up the block before he came around. Where's Romero?

[B]

I don't know. Oh, here he comes now. All right, let's go.

[A]

Get that radio on, Joe.

[B]

It's already on, Ed.

[A]

All right, give him a call. Any sign yet?

[B]

No, nothing so far.

[A]

Next year.

[B]

Turn to the right, Ben. Unit 80K to Control 4. 80K to Control 4.

[A]

Control 4 to Unit 80K. Go ahead.

[B]

Clear and keep frequency 4 open. This is an emergency.

[A]

80K. Roger. Frequency 4 open and clear. Attention all units, on frequency 4 standby. Go ahead. And there he is. Friday, up ahead. Dark blue sedan.

[B]

Control four, we are in pursuit of the possible red light bandit. Suspect is driving a dark blue 1949 sedan. License number in the seven column six one Robert 784. Use caution. Suspect is armed. Code three.

[A]

Attention all units. Attention all units. Unit 80K now pursuing possible red light bandit. Suspect is driving a dark blue 1949 sedan. License number in the seven column six one Robert 784. Use caution. This suspect is armed. Code three, your location, 80K.

[B]

Control four, we are headed east on Wilshire Boulevard, crossing La Brea.

[A]

Attention all units. Suspect is headed east on Wilshire Boulevard, crossing La Brea. Watch it, Romero. Don't lose him. I see him.

[B]

Given Patrol 4 still pursuing Red light bandit. Headed east on Wilshire. Now crossing Rossmore.

[A]

Attention all units. Suspect is still headed east on Wilshire. Now crossing Rossmore. Suspect is armed. Use caution. That truck pulling out of the head hit the siren. Will You, Skipper. Hold on. It's a tight squeeze. Gaining on Romero.

[B]

A lot of traffic up ahead.

[A]

He's got to slow down.

[B]

Control, four. Suspect headed east on Wilshire, crossing Western Avenue. Closing in.

[A]

There he goes. Took a right down Sherman Alley. It's a dead end.

[B]

Yeah. Control, four. Suspect turns south into Sherman Alley. Closing in on suspect.

[A]

Attention, all units. Suspect has turned south into Sherman Alley. There he is, Skipper, pulling up ahead. He's jumping out.

[B]

All right, take the mic while you at here. Come on, Ben.

[A]

I'll direct the other cars in. If you need help, holler. All right, Skipper. All right.

[B]

Which way to go, Ben?

[A]

Down between those buildings.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

I'm starting up the back fire escape.

[B]

All right, keep him busy. All right, Savage, come on down.

[A]

He wants to go to Ruffling.

[B]

One more chance, savvy? Come on down.

[A]

No use, Joe. He's heading up for the roof.

[B]

Come on. He climbs like a monkey. Come on, let's get him.

[A]

All right.

[B]

Here, I'll give you a hand.

[A]

Ears are up. All right.

[B]

Where'd he go? I don't know. Let's spread out. All right, Savage, you're through. Throw your gun out and come out with your hands up.

[A]

Watch it, Joe. He's running for the edge. He's gonna jump.

[B]

I'll get him. All right, guy, back here.

[A]

You lousy CR Copper. You dirty, lousy cop. I'll kick you out.

[B]

You're through, Savage. You're through.

[A]

Good. Joe.

[B]

Yeah? Throw the cups on, will you?

[A]

You just b.

[B]

You.

[A]

You want a smoke?

[B]

Yeah, I can sure use one. Thanks.

[A]

Quiet up here.

[B]

Yeah. I was just thinking. Well, Carl Savage, this guy's father.

[A]

Mm. What about him?

[B]

Nothing. What would you do, Ben, if your son was a murderer?

[A]

The story you have just heard is true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. John Savage was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree. He was executed in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary. You have just heard the sixth in a new series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet is furnished by the Los Angeles Police Department. Tonight's program is dedicated to Patrol Officer Robert Steele of the Montana State Highway Patrol, who, on the morning of November 2, 1947, gave his life so that yours might be more secure. Dragnet came to you from Los Angeles. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.