Dragnet 49-08-04 009 Benny Trounsel - Narcotics

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Dragnet 49-08-04 009 Benny Trounsel - Narcotics

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, titled "Benny Trounsel - Narcotics," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in the relentless pursuit of justice by Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero. Set against the backdrop of 1949 Los Angeles, the episode delves deep into the intricate world of narcotics crime, showcasing the meticulous investigative techniques of the time.

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The Crime: Benny Trounsel's Mysterious Death [02:01 - 06:21]

The episode opens on a windy Thursday night, March 23rd, in Los Angeles. Sergeant Joe Friday, working the night watch in the narcotics division alongside his partner Ben Romero, receives a distressing call.

• Key Event: Benny Trounsel, a long-time informant and addict, is found dead in an alley off South Maine. Trounsel was in possession of a significant amount of heroin and a cryptic piece of paper labeled "Tucker Building."

• Notable Quote:

  • Joe Friday [02:20]: "Benny Trounsel's body was taken to the county morgue, and the next morning it was posted at the coroner's inquest."

Investigations reveal that Trounsel suffered a brain hemorrhage due to severe blows from a blunt instrument. His only clues before death were muttering the name "Patterson" and the mention of the Tucker Building.

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Initial Investigation and Leads [06:21 - 08:27]

Joe and Ben visit Ms. Stright, the manager of the rooming house where Trounsel stayed. Unfortunately, she offers little assistance, denying knowledge of Trounsel's acquaintances or activities.

• Notable Quote:
  • Ms. Stright [05:55]: "He might have spent some time [at the Ace lunchroom]. I don't know."

Undeterred, Friday and Romero examine the Tucker Building at 7310 South Wilshire. The building houses various professionals, including a dentist and a doctor, but none are familiar with Trounsel.

• Notable Quote:
  • Joe Friday [06:44]: "Tucker Building. 7310 South Wilshire. I wonder what Benny Charles could have been doing out there."

Their efforts are further supported by Chief Ed Backstrand, who urges them to intensify their investigation into the rising wave of narcotic-related robberies.

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Following the Clues: Dr. Fred Springer's Involvement [08:27 - 20:17]

The detectives' pursuit leads them to Dr. Fred Springer, a physician at the Tucker Building. However, their inquiries uncover unsettling discrepancies:

• Key Discoveries:

  • Dr. Springer is not a registered physician in California.
  • His medical license was revoked in Pennsylvania two years prior due to illegal operations.
  • Springer was found dead with a bullet hole in his temple, accompanied by a confession note implicating John Patterson and Tony Norberg.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Ben Romero [07:14]: "Letters. Here's a sample. Chief of Detectives... recommend that your efforts to curb this lawlessness be redoubled."
  • Joe Friday [16:33]: "Maybe they can check us out on Dr. Springer."

The duo also interrogates James Steiner, a transient laborer found with stolen morphine vials matching those from the St. Agnes Hospital robbery. Steiner, however, provides minimal information, insisting he only uses drugs recreationally.

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Unraveling the Narcotics Ring [20:17 - 26:41]

Sergeant Friday and Romero intensify their investigation, connecting the dots between Springer, Steiner, and the broader narcotics network. Their persistence pays off when Max Jansen, a key player in the operation, is apprehended.

• Key Revelations:

  • Dr. Springer was second in command of the narcotics ring.
  • John Patterson, also known as Tony Norberg, is identified as the boss.
  • Max Jansen reveals that Patterson was the mastermind behind the operations, orchestrating robberies to fund the drug trade.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Max Jansen [26:07]: "Why didn't the gang take care of him? Boss said no rough stuff."
  • Joe Friday [26:41]: "This the arrest report on the guy? He had... James Steiner. Phoenix, Arizona."

With these insights, the detectives pinpoint Patterson's location at 138 East Beverly Drive, setting the stage for a final confrontation.

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The Culmination: Confronting Tony Norberg [26:41 - 29:28]

Friday and Romero, accompanied by fellow officers Davis and Emerson, stake out Tony Norberg's residence in Laurel Canyon. Their plan involves a strategic approach to apprehend Norberg without escalating the situation.

• Climactic Confrontation:

  • Norberg attempts to flee, leading to a tense standoff.
  • A shootout ensues, resulting in Norberg's death and the apprehension of an accomplice.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Joe Friday [28:20]: "Tony, get the stuff. It's our only chance."
  • Ben Romero [29:08]: "Why did they get on the stuff, Joe?"

The resolution of the case not only dismantles the narcotics ring but also highlights the perils faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime.

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Conclusion: Justice Served [29:28 - 30:59]

The episode concludes with a solemn narration, emphasizing the real-life inspiration behind the case and honoring the dedication of police officers like Chief Erskine Ert Fish, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty.

• Notable Quote:
  • Ben Romero [29:28]: "The story you have just heard is only with the names changed to protect the innocent."

Tony Norberg, alias John Patterson, is posthumously convicted for his crimes, marking a significant victory for the Los Angeles Police Department's narcotics division.

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Dragnet masterfully combines suspense, intricate plotting, and authentic procedural details, offering listeners a vivid portrayal of mid-20th-century law enforcement. Through the unwavering commitment of Joe Friday and Ben Romero, the narrative underscores the complexities and challenges of combating narcotics crime, all while maintaining a riveting and engaging storyline.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joe Friday [02:20]: "Benny Trounsel's body was taken to the county morgue, and the next morning it was posted at the coroner's inquest."
• Ms. Stright [05:55]: "He might have spent some time [at the Ace lunchroom]. I don't know."
• Joe Friday [06:44]: "Tucker Building. 7310 South Wilshire. I wonder what Benny Charles could have been doing out there."
• Ben Romero [07:14]: "Letters. Here's a sample. Chief of Detectives... recommend that your efforts to curb this lawlessness be redoubled."
• Joe Friday [16:33]: "Maybe they can check us out on Dr. Springer."
• Max Jansen [26:07]: "Why didn't the gang take care of him? Boss said no rough stuff."
• Joe Friday [26:41]: "This the arrest report on the guy? He had... James Steiner. Phoenix, Arizona."
• Joe Friday [28:20]: "Tony, get the stuff. It's our only chance."
• Ben Romero [29:08]: "Why did they get on the stuff, Joe?"
• Ben Romero [29:28]: "The story you have just heard is only with the names changed to protect the innocent."

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Dragnet continues to set the standard for police procedural dramas, blending real-world issues with compelling storytelling to deliver episodes that resonate with audiences even decades later.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck.

[Ben Romero]

I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. With family. Cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business. Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in.

[Joe Friday]

The shadowy world of the Godfather slot.

[Ben Romero]

Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather [e-mail] Welcome to the family. No purchase necessary VGW Group void we're.

[Joe Friday]

Prohibited by law 21 + terms and.

[Ben Romero]

Conditions app here's another in NBC's great parade of new shows. 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 narcotics detail. For more than two months, doctors offices have been burglarized, hospital pharmacies pillaged, drugstores robbed, medical supply firms ransacked with one purpose in mind, the theft of narcotics. The criminals are expert, cunning, vicious. Your job. Get them, Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime investigated and solved by the men who, un unrelentingly, stand watch on the security of your home, your family and your life. For the next 30 minutes transcribed 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.

[Joe Friday]

It was Thursday, March 23rd. It was windy in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of narcotics. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Ed Backstrand, Chief of detectives. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from the record bureau, and it was 10:35pm when I got to room 24. Narcotics detail?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Well, we'll be right over. Thank you. Get anything, Jill?

[Joe Friday]

Nothing we don't know already. How about you?

[Ben Romero]

That was a county hospital on the phone. Doc Welch. Pretty fair lead. I told him we'd be right over.

[Joe Friday]

What's he got?

[Ben Romero]

One of our informants. Benny Trounsel. Ready?

[Joe Friday]

Let's go. What's with Benny?

[Ben Romero]

It's bad shape. Somebody worked him over. They found him in an alley off of South Maine. Yeah. Doc says Trounsel talk before he passed down.

[Joe Friday]

Anything good?

[Ben Romero]

He claimed he knows who's wearing the new dope racket in town. Says I got him.

[Joe Friday]

No, let's take the stairs here, huh? Why should they bother with small fly like Benny?

[Ben Romero]

That's what I'm wondering. Blackmail?

[Joe Friday]

Maybe Benny's still on the needle. Maybe that accounts for his story.

[Ben Romero]

Doc says his skull is fractured. Morphine doesn't do that to you.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Benny mention any names?

[Ben Romero]

I don't know. Doc didn't say.

[Joe Friday]

Here's the garage. Come on. When did they pick up Benny?

[Ben Romero]

About an hour ago. He had a pocket full of Bennels on him. Heroin.

[Joe Friday]

Trounsel's small fry. He never had that much dope on him in his life.

[Ben Romero]

That's what makes it interesting. Let's go.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

County Hospital. Yes, sir. The line is busy. Will you wait? Thank you. Can I help you gentlemen?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to see Dr. Welsh. He's expecting us.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Your names, please?

[Joe Friday]

This is Sergeant Romero. My name's Friday. Police officer.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Oh, yes. Around the corner to your left. Room 127. The doctor's waiting for you.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Come on, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

I hope Benny's still talking. We could sure use a Lee.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, There it is. 127.

[Ben Romero]

Hiya, Ben. Joe.

[Joe Friday]

How are you, Doc? Anything new?

[Ben Romero]

Just left Trounsel upstairs. You think we can talk to him now? Won't do much good. He died about six minutes ago.

[Joe Friday]

For almost two years, Benny Trounsel, an addict himself, had been one of the most valuable informants Ben and I had in the narcotic gangs. More than once, he had helped us solve a case. But this time, if Benny Trounsel had any direct leads to the nerve center of the newest narcotic ring, he took them with him. Besides his dying accusation that the ring had gotten to him, he left behind only two small scraps of information. First, when he arrived at the county hospital, Dr. Welch reported that Trounsel repeatedly muttered the name Patterson. Secondly, among the few personal effects found in his pockets was a good amount of heroin and a small piece of white paper with two words scrawled on it. Tucker Building. Benny Trounsel's body was taken to the county morgue, and the next morning it was posted at the coroner's inquest. The cause of death was listed as a brain hemorrhage induced by severe blows by a blunt instrument on the sides and base of the skull, inflicted by a person or persons unknown. Besides Ben and myself, the only identification witness at the inquest was a woman who managed a rooming house in Benedict Alley where Trounsel used to stay periodically. After the inquest, we questioned her briefly in our office.

[Ben Romero]

Ms. Stright, you say you can't remember any friends Trounsel had while he stayed.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

At your room and half No, I can't. Besides, if I knew that man used dope, I never would have rented him a room.

[Joe Friday]

How long did he rent from you, Ms. Stright?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

About six months. I run a respectable house. I don't mind if my people drink a little now and then. But those dope users? No, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Did you know anything about trounsel, Ms. Stright? Where he spent his time, where he had his meals?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Don't serve at my place. Too much trouble. Most of the people eat at the Ace lunchroom down the corner.

[Ben Romero]

Where's that, Ms. Dry?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Grant and South Main. Right on the corner.

[Ben Romero]

And you think Trounsel might have spent some time there?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

He might have. I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Strike, did trounsel ever mention anyone by the name of Patterson?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

No. Patterson, no.

[Joe Friday]

And you can't recall any friends he might have had?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

He had any friends and never set foot in my house. That's all I know.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ms. Strike. Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

Here's a card, ma'am. If you come across any information about Trounsel, we'd appreciate it if you'd call us.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

All right. That all?

[Ben Romero]

That's all, ma'am. Thank you. Well, bye. No, bye, ma'am.

[Joe Friday]

Big help.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Not even a good identification witness.

[Joe Friday]

You got those listings we made on the Tucker building?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Let's see. Here it is.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, let me have it, huh? Tucker Building. 7310 South Wilshire. I wonder what Benny Charles could have been doing out there.

[Ben Romero]

Shouldn't be too hard to check. It's a small building.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, six listings for the whole place. Couple of law offices, real estate guy, dentists, architect and a doctor.

[Ben Romero]

One dentist, one doctor. Could be a lead.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe pretty thin.

[Ben Romero]

Friday. Romero, you got a minute? Yes, Skipper. Come on.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. What do you got, Ed?

[Ben Romero]

Letters. Here's a sample. Now, listen to this. Chief of Detectives, Ed Backstrand, City Hall, Los Angeles, in view of mounting wave of narcotic robberies, strongly recommend that your efforts to curb this lawlessness be redoubled.

[Joe Friday]

They all like that?

[Ben Romero]

All of them? They're mad. Can you blame them? Not a bit.

[Joe Friday]

We haven't got much to go on, Chief. The gang's pretty smart.

[Ben Romero]

All right, then let's be smarter. There's no law against it. Doing our best, giver. They make it better. I'm sick of that bunch. And I'm tired of these letters. Look at that record. In two months, 15 drugstore ROBs, eight medical offices, two supply houses, two hospital pharmacies. Narcotics missing every time. Now, who's behind it?

[Joe Friday]

None of the old timers, We've checked them out, Gone over every hype and mainliner we know of.

[Ben Romero]

All right, then. Get on the transients, new faces. Climb on every one of them that shoots the stuff until you get to that gang and break it. If you need help, holler, but get to that gang and break it. Do you understand? Okay, skipper, we'll try. You dig up anything on that Trounsel case yet? Still checking out one lane.

[Joe Friday]

What Slip of paper we found in Trounsel's pocket head said Tucker building on it. That's all. Just gonna check it out when you called.

[Ben Romero]

All right, hop on it fast. We got a lot of pressure on us. Keep in touch with the office.

[Joe Friday]

It was almost noon when Ben and I got out to the Tucker building. It was a two story affair, comparatively small, very modern. We checked with the dentist in the building first, but he'd never heard of anyone by the name of Benny Trounsel. His records and appointment books proved it out.

[Ben Romero]

Well, that's one down, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah? Let's try that doctor's office now. What's his name?

[Ben Romero]

Let me see. Oh, Springer. Dr. Fred Springer. He's on the second floor.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. There's a stairway down there. Come on.

[Ben Romero]

Pretty close to lunchtime. Might not be in.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe somebody should be there. We haven't got much time to play with.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Chief sure was up in there this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Here's the office. Fred Springer, MD.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Good morning. May I help you gentlemen?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to see Dr. Springer, please.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Do you have an appointment?

[Joe Friday]

No, we don't.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Well, the doctor's not in at present. Would you like to make an appointment for later in the day?

[Ben Romero]

No, ma'am. We're police officers. This is Sergeant Friday. I'm Sergeant Romero.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

How do you do? I'm Ms. Turner. I'm the doctor's nurse.

[Joe Friday]

Then you must take care of the appointment and record books for the doctor.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Yes, I do.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe you can give us the information we're looking for. Ms. Turner, did the doctor ever have a patient by the name of Trounsel? Benny Trounsel?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Trounsel?

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

No, I. I don't think so. Just a moment. I'll check.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

No. T, R, O U, N S E L. Is that the way you spell it?

[Ben Romero]

Yes, ma'am.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

No, the name's not listed here. Let me check the account book. No, wait. That's funny.

[Ben Romero]

What's that, Ms. Turner?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Here, in the back of the book in the doctor's handwriting. Look.

[Joe Friday]

Trounsel. The black parrot.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Certainly. Funny, I can't remember seeing that notation before. It must be fairly recent.

[Ben Romero]

Ms. Turner, what kind of a clientele would you say Dr. Springer has?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Oh, it's quite exclusive. Beverly Hills, Bel Air. That's where most of the bills are mailed.

[Joe Friday]

Can you recall seeing Trounsel in the office here, Ms. Turner? Small man, thin. Walked with a kind of a limp. Not very well dressed?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

No, I don't think so. Doesn't sound like any of our patients.

[Joe Friday]

Would you show us the doctor's prescription list for the last two months? We'd like to check them.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Well, I'm afraid I can't. Dr. Springer keeps him in the safe. He's the only one who has the combination.

[Ben Romero]

How long you been with Dr. Springer?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

About ten months. Ever since he started his practice out here.

[Ben Romero]

Where was he before that?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Philadelphia. I don't understand all these questions. Is anything the matter?

[Joe Friday]

Just a routine check, Ms. Turner. When do you expect the doctor back?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

About 4 this afternoon. He's out making home calls.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Here's our card. Would you ask him to call us as soon as he comes in?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

I'll do that.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you, Ms. Turner. Bye.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Goodbye.

[Joe Friday]

Bye. Oh, say, Ms. Turner, one more question.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Yes?

[Joe Friday]

Does Dr. Springer have a patient by the name of Patterson?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Oh, yes. One of the doctor's first patients. John Patterson. He lives out on East Beverly Drive.

[Joe Friday]

When we left Dr. Springer's office, we called, R and I. There was no make on John Patterson. Ben and I drove over to see him just on a hunch. It didn't pay off right then, but it showed a little promise. When the maid came to the door of the swank apartment, she told us Patterson was out for the day. We asked her about Patterson's occupation. She didn't know. We asked her about his friends, his business acquaintances. She could remember only two people visiting the apartment. One of them was Dr. Springer, apparently a constant visitor. The other a tall, dark man who spoke bad English. We asked the maid how long she had worked for Patterson. She said ever since he moved to Los Angeles about six months before. A few things started to fall into place, but it was strictly a guesswork operation. Ben and I got in the car and headed for the south end of the city to check out some of the places Benny Trounsel was to have frequented. We met a stone wall from the Ace lunchroom near Benny's former rooming house to the Black Parrot. No one was willing to talk. Threats didn't work, and neither did promises. Ben and I gave up for the moment and headed back to the office.

[Ben Romero]

Pacific Ambulance One call to Alhambra is now Code three. Seems like Skid Row doesn't want any part of this. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

There's a bad feeling. Something's got him scared.

[Ben Romero]

Sure would like to know what it is. Or who it is.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Control One to unit 80K. Control One to unit 80K us.

[Ben Romero]

Joe, get it, will you?

[Joe Friday]

I got it. 80K to Control One. 80K to Control One. Go ahead, 80K.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Call station 2511, code three.

[Joe Friday]

80K to Control One.

[Ben Romero]

Roger.

[Joe Friday]

KMA 367.

[Ben Romero]

Wonder what that's all about now?

[Joe Friday]

Let's find out. There's a drugstore. They ought to have a phone. Pull over, huh? You got a nickel?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah. Yeah, sure.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. I'll be back in a minute. City Hall, 2511.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

Chief of Detective's office. Hannon.

[Joe Friday]

This Friday, Mike. The chief there.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah. Just a minute. Backstrand talking.

[Joe Friday]

This Friday.

[Ben Romero]

Ed.

[Joe Friday]

What do you got?

[Ben Romero]

You tied up?

[Joe Friday]

Nothing big.

[Ben Romero]

Then check in as soon as you can. Got something good.

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Ben Romero]

You remember the stick up at St. Agnes Hospital about a month ago? Pharmacy there.

[Joe Friday]

What about it?

[Ben Romero]

Two patrolmen picked up a user down near Union Station about an hour and a half ago.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Ben Romero]

Guy was way back in his heels. He had two vials of morphine on them. Vials had serial numbers.

[Joe Friday]

Good. Did they match out?

[Ben Romero]

Perfectly.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks, Ed. We'll be right in. When Ben and I got back to the office at 3:52pm we picked up Chief Ed Backstrand and went directly to the crime lab where Lieutenant Lee Jones analyzed the contents of the two vials taken from the suspect. Jones told us it was high grade morphine. We went back to the office and double checked the serial numbers on the vials with the crime report on the St. Agnes Hospital robbery. They matched.

[Ben Romero]

There's a good break. These vials were in the loot when the gang knocked over the hospital 28 days ago. I stay on the trailer and we'll crack that gang wide open.

[Joe Friday]

This the arrest report on the guy? Had.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Picked him up in a bar off South Maine. Who is the guy trying? You.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, here it is, man. James Steiner. Phoenix, Arizona. Age 37. Transient laborers. Anybody talked this guy yet, Ed?

[Ben Romero]

Not yet. He shouldn't be too hard. You better get on it. Right, Skipper. Come on, Jill.

[Joe Friday]

Check you later, Ed. What time you got, Ben?

[Ben Romero]

Let me see. 25 past 4. Got a phone call for you, Ben. Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Who?

[Ben Romero]

What? Your wife wants you to pick up some aspirin and a bottle of nose drops for your kid on your way home. Oh, yeah. Almost forgot.

[Joe Friday]

That the only call we had, Mike?

[Ben Romero]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. You got that Dr. Springer's number, Ben?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

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[Ben Romero]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Ben Romero]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Ben Romero]

Group void where prohibited by law 21 plus terms and conditions apply here it is. Quest view 55284 thanks. Nurse said he'd call us around four, didn't he?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Dr. Springer's office.

[Joe Friday]

This is Sergeant Friday down at the police department. Dr. Springer there?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Well, no he isn't, Sergeant. He called in about 20 minutes ago and I gave him your message. He said he'd call you.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ms. Turner. When he comes in, tell him to call us. Impress on him. It's urgent.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

All right, Sergeant, I'll do that. Goodbye.

[Ben Romero]

Goodbye. Nola.

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. Just a hunch. He may be ducking us.

[Ben Romero]

Who are you calling now?

[Joe Friday]

State Medical Board. Maybe they can check us out on Dr. Springer. I put the call through to the State Medical Board and asked for a check on Dr. Fred Springer. They said they'd call back within the hour. In the meantime, we had James Steiner brought to one of the interrogation rooms for questioning. It was all talk.

[Ben Romero]

It's like I told the Sergeant when they booked me. I don't know anything about this hospital job.

[Joe Friday]

Sit down, Steiner.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, all right. Thanks. How long you been in the city, Steiner? Louisiana. About a month. I came from Phoenix looking for work. Things are pretty slow in Phoenix.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the morphine?

[Ben Romero]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

I said, where'd you get the morphine?

[Ben Romero]

The stuff. I bought it just for a pop now and then. I just play around with it just for kicks. Who'd you buy the vials from? Who? I don't know. Guy in a bar gave me a price.

[Joe Friday]

Which bar was that?

[Ben Romero]

Which bar? Black Parrot. I'm not hooked. I just play around with it. Just for gigs. What did the guy look like? Stunner. What did he look like? I don't know. Tall, I guess.

[Joe Friday]

Would you remember him if you saw him again?

[Ben Romero]

Remember? Sure. I talked to him a couple of nights at the bar.

[Joe Friday]

Was he on the stuff? Was he a hype?

[Ben Romero]

Hype? Yeah, maybe. Tall fella. Doc, you shooting the stuff? Shooting the stuff? No, no, I'm no mainliner. I never took in the veins in my life. I told you I'd. I do it just for kicks. Just a pop now and then.

[Joe Friday]

Take off your shirt. Let's see your arms, huh?

[Ben Romero]

My arms?

[Joe Friday]

Come on, take it off. Who are you kidding, Steiner? Your arm looks like a pin cushion.

[Ben Romero]

I told you, just once in a while. Just for the kicks. I'm not hooked on it. They found two vials of stolen morphine on you, Steiner. You can go two ways. Hard or easy. Hard or easy? I told you, I ain't done nothing. I bought this stuff. I use a cap or a bindle once in a while for kicks, but I'm not hooked. I bought the stuff, I tell you.

[Joe Friday]

Who was he, Steiner, who sold it to you?

[Ben Romero]

Who? I told you. I met him in a bar. The Black Parrot. Who was he? He was tall, dark. He gave me a good price.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, let's have it. Steiner. His name?

[Ben Romero]

I'm feeling sick. You got something? I'm sick.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Mike.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Get some milk. Couple of quarts. Right away.

[Ben Romero]

Okay. You ready to tell us, Steiner? Who was him? I'm sick. I'm sick.

[Joe Friday]

We're getting some milk for you now. Come on. You better talk.

[Ben Romero]

Max. That's all he said. Name was Max. He gave me a good price. I only take a pop now and then, just for kicks.

[Joe Friday]

You think you could point him out for us?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Yeah, maybe. I'm sick. I'm sick. Narcotics from Merrill. Hello, this is Dr. Springer calling. He wanted to talk to me. Yes, we did, Doctor, and we got a few questions we'd like to ask you. Hold on just a minute, will you? It's Dr. Springer, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Tell him we got to see him tonight. We'll call him back later.

[Ben Romero]

Dr. Springer? Yes. Sorry, Doctor. We'll have to see you later on tonight. You be at home. Well, I have an appointment this evening. Would you mind telling me what this is all about? Sure, Doctor. It's about a man named Benny Trounsel. Oh, I see. And if you don't mind, we'd like to check over your prescription list. Will you? Yes, I'll cancel my appointment. You can contact me here at home. 1538 South Road. I'll be here all night. All right, Doctor. Thank you. We'll see you later, then. Yes. Goodbye. Goodbye.

[Joe Friday]

What'd he say? All right.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, it's all right. I'll buy that hunch of yours now, Joe. Dr. Sprenger, he knows who killed Benny Trounsel. I bet he knows why.

[Joe Friday]

When Mike Hannon came back with the milk, we fed it to Steiner. And then we put him back in his cell. We put in another call to John Patterson out on East East Beverly Drive. But there was no answer. We left word with Hannon where we were going. And Ben and I headed out for Dr. Springer's home. It was 7:35 when we pulled up into the driveway at 1538 South Road. A low, rambling, ranch type home. We got out of the car and made our way down the path to the front door. A gray Persian cat followed. The door was half open. We knocked, but there was no answer. Through the window we could see the living room was dimly lighted. We went in. We found Dr. Springer sitting in a large carved mahogany chair in the dining room. The room was hung with draperies. It was slumped forward, face down on the dining table. There was a bullet hole in his right temple. On the floor near his right hand was a.32 automatic pistol. In the center of the dining table was a piece of white paper.

[Ben Romero]

Looks like he beat us.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Any names on that confession?

[Ben Romero]

One says he killed Trounser. No, wait a minute. It says John Patterson. He forced me to this.

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Ben Romero]

I don't know. What's it look like to you? Here's another one. Norberg. That's all it says. Then he signed his name Dr. Fred Springer.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, come over here. Look at these.

[Ben Romero]

Hypodermic needle. It works. This morphine?

[Joe Friday]

White powder? Could be.

[Ben Romero]

And he was on it himself?

[Joe Friday]

Looks like it. We'll find out when they post him. I'll get it.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Sergeant Friday there, please.

[Joe Friday]

This is Joe. Mike. What do you got?

[Ben Romero]

Can you talk? All right there?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Ben Romero]

Just got a kickback on your call to the State Medical board on this Dr. Fred Springer. He's not a registered physician in the State of California. Besides that, his life was revoked in Pennsylvania two years ago. Illegal operations.

[Joe Friday]

That explains it. Notify Homicide. Get the crime lab in the corner out here, will you? Looks like Springer shot himself.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Joe, right away.

[Joe Friday]

We'll wait for him. But hurry him up, Mike. We got a couple more places to check out tonight.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Joe. See you later.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Ben Romero]

What's next? Patterson place?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. Maybe we ought to try Steiner first.

[Ben Romero]

Sounds good to me. Feels like we're getting close.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ben, real close. Twelve minutes later, Homicide and the Crime Lab men checked in at the Springer house. And Ben and I checked out. We went back to the office and found Ed Backstrand waiting for us. We told him our story, and he sent two men out to keep an eye on the Patterson place. Two other men went to work to try and track down the other name in Springer's confession note. Norberg, Ben and I went up to the county jail and picked up Steiner. The three of us started out to look for the man who sold Steiner the two vials of morphine stolen from the hospital pharmacy a month before. The man's name was Max. He was tall and dark. That was all we knew. The rest of it was up to Steiner. Two other men from the detail, Davis and Emerson, came along with us to take care of Steiner if anything went wrong. Our first stop was the Black Parrot Tavern. Davis parked the car in an alley down the street. Steiner, Ben and I got out and walked the rest of the way.

[Ben Romero]

You understand what you're supposed to do, Steiner? Me? Yeah. I go in first, sit at the bar. You two will follow me. I sit at the bar, and if I see Max, I give you the sign. That's okay, huh?

[Joe Friday]

That's right. Now, you don't try to break for it.

[Ben Romero]

Break for it? Me? I. I told you I'm squaring with you guys.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Steiner. Go ahead.

[Ben Romero]

Let's hope it works, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. There he goes. Inside. Come on. Now, look, Try to grab one of the booths along the wall if you can, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Right here.

[Joe Friday]

The first booth. Ben. It's empty.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Fellas left to order at the bar. Waitress got a night off.

[Joe Friday]

Make it a couple of beers, will you?

[Ben Romero]

Couple of beers. Okay. Joe. Joe, look at Steiner.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. He's signaling. Must mean the guy putting on his coat over there. No, no, hold it, Ben. Wait until he gets. All right, get Steiner back to the car. I'll tail the guy. You come after me. I didn't know how right Steiner was or how much we could trust him. All I knew was that the man I was following was tall and he was in a hurry. I followed him three quarters of a block before he turned in at a motel. He went to a cottage at the rear of the lot, let himself in and closed the door quickly behind him. A minute later, Ben and the others pulled up in the car.

[Ben Romero]

Got him sticked out. Joe, Stanner says that was Max.

[Joe Friday]

Let's make sure. Come on.

[Ben Romero]

Which one's in?

[Joe Friday]

The one down at the end here. Now, be careful.

[Ben Romero]

You too.

[Joe Friday]

All right, here we are. Wait a minute. Right there. Look. There's no rear door. He's got to come out the front. Keep the door clear. You ready?

[Ben Romero]

What's that?

[Joe Friday]

Cover me. Open up in there.

[Ben Romero]

Who is it?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers. Open up.

[Ben Romero]

Just a minute.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ben. Give it back to him.

[Ben Romero]

Don't shoot.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

We'll come out.

[Joe Friday]

All right, throw your guns out first. Then come out with your hands behind your head. And make it fast. Watch it. Benny's making a break.

[Ben Romero]

All right, mister, that's four. Get out of my way. Get out of here.

[Joe Friday]

Get him, Ben. That's good, Ben. You all right?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

He didn't mean it.

[Ben Romero]

Cover. He didn't mean it.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

He didn't know what he was doing.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that must be a good excuse, lady. A lot of people use it. Come on, Ben. Let's take him in. It was ten minutes past midnight when we got back to headquarters. Both the man and the woman were booked for violation of the State Narcotics Act, a felony. He gave his name as Max Jansen. In his luggage we found 13 vials of morphine, large quantities of heroin and a small amount of Panopin. He gave us the names and addresses of six active members of the narcotics gang. He identified Dr. Springer as second in command.

[Ben Romero]

Just a few more questions, Jansen. Yeah, all right. Why did Springer kill Trounsel? He had it coming. Trounsel knew the score and he was blackmailing them, bleeding them white.

[Joe Friday]

Why didn't the gang take care of him?

[Ben Romero]

Boss said no rough stuff. Things were going too good. He warned Springer, but he wouldn't listen. All right, Jansen, just one more question. Who's the boss? Do I get off? Flight? State's witness? It might help. We can't promise you anything. Who's the boss? Patterson. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

138 East Beverly Drive.

[Ben Romero]

That's right. What about Norberg? How does he figure? The same guy. Patterson, Norberg. Both the same.

[Joe Friday]

And what's his real name?

[Ben Romero]

Norberg. Tony Norberg.

[Joe Friday]

What's his front?

[Ben Romero]

He's legit. Er. It used to be importing business. Where? Here. Got an office? Downtown. Do I get protection? Where's Norberg now? Home. Out in Laurel Canyon. I get protection.

[Joe Friday]

I thought you said he lived out in East Beverly.

[Ben Romero]

His apartment. His home's out in the canyon. Where? What's the address? Do I get protection? You'll get protection. Wind and way. 860. Wind and way. All right. Friday, Romero, take some men with you.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Davis, cover the back of the house. Levine, you cover the front. Come on, Ben.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Yes?

[Joe Friday]

Mr. Norber. Again?

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Who's calling?

[Ben Romero]

Police officers.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Oh, come in, won't you?

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Now get your hands up. Face the wall.

[Ben Romero]

You'll never make it, lady. The house is surrounded.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

Tony, get the stuff. It's our only chance.

[Joe Friday]

They'll cut you down, Norberg.

[Ben Romero]

All right, Jeannie, give him the gun. Don't be a fool.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

They're gonna march out the door in front of us, right to the car.

[Ben Romero]

I'm not going. Jeannie, try it if you want. I'm not going.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

All right, Tony, stay. Come on, coppers.

[Ben Romero]

You'd never make it, lady.

[Dr. Fred Springer]

I said move fast.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ben, hit the dirt.

[Ben Romero]

He's going for the car.

[Joe Friday]

See if he can get those tires.

[Ben Romero]

Come on, Dan.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Norberg was smart. Must be the girlfriend.

[Joe Friday]

Guess so.

[Ben Romero]

Wonder why this dart?

[Joe Friday]

Hmm?

[Ben Romero]

Why did they get on the stuff, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

For kicks, Ben. None of them ever get hooked just for kicks.

[Ben Romero]

The story you have just heard is only the names were changed to protect the innocent. Tony Norberg, alias John Patterson, was tried and convicted for possession of narcotics, robbery and conspiracy and was sentenced to the maximum term prescribed by law, each count to run consecutively. He died three years and 11 days after his arrival at the state penitentiary. You have just heard the ninth in a new series of authentic cases transcribed from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet is furnished by the Los Angeles Police Department. Tonight's program is dedicated to Chief Erskine Ert Fish of the North Sacramento Police Department, who on the night of August 11, 1935, gave his life so that yours might be more secure. Dragnet came to you from Los Angeles. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company. Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse with family. Canolies and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business? Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in.

[Joe Friday]

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[Ben Romero]

Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather [e-mail]. welcome to the family.

[Joe Friday]

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[Ben Romero]

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[Joe Friday]

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