Dragnet 49-08-11 010 Production 10 aka Homicide aka Maniac Murderer aka Mad Killer At Large

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: Detailed Summary of "Dragnet 49-08-11 010 Production 10"

Episode Title: Dragnet 49-08-11 010 Production 10 aka Homicide aka Maniac Murderer aka Mad Killer At Large
Release Date: May 11, 2025

---

1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens amidst a torrential January rain in Los Angeles, setting a grim atmosphere for the unfolding homicide investigation. Detective Joe Friday (played by the iconic Jack Webb) introduces himself as he returns from the morgue to the Homicide division at 11:23 PM. He is greeted by his partner, Ben Romero, and their chief, Ed Backstrand.

Notable Quote:

Joe Friday [02:03]: "It was raining in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of Homicide."

2. Discovery of the Crime

Chief Backstrand briefs Friday and Romero about a brutal murder at the Lux Hotel on East 3rd Street. A woman has been found strangled and mutilated, indicating the presence of a "mad killer" with a apparent "thirst for blood."

Notable Quote:

Ed Backstrand [02:36]: "A murder like this, anybody's a suspect."

3. Initial Investigation

Friday and Romero inspect the crime scene (Room 219) alongside Chief Backstrand. They gather initial evidence, including the hotel's register listing the victim with Mr. and Mrs. Philip Grant. The team secures fingerprints and handwriting samples, while starting to piece together the timeline of the victim's last hours.

Notable Quote:

Joe Friday [04:07]: "The guy must be a maniac."

4. Crime Lab Analysis

Back at the crime lab, Lieutenant Lee Jones oversees the examination of evidence. The team discovers small pieces of flesh and hair under the victim's nails, suggesting a fierce struggle. Additionally, a crucial fingerprint is found on a wall near the bathroom light switch.

Notable Quote:

Lieutenant Lee Jones [10:19]: "Maybe we can do something. If the rain hasn't broken them down too bad."

5. Launching the Manhunt

With limited evidence, Friday and Romero, under Backstrand's direction, coordinate a city-wide manhunt. They deploy reserve officers to patrol a twelve-block radius, focusing on areas between East Third and College streets, Alameda, and Figueroa.

Notable Quote:

Ed Backstrand [07:24]: "Least we can do is make it hard for him. Two murders in seven hours."

6. A Break in the Case

A breakthrough occurs when the lab processes the fingerprints, identifying the suspect as Robert Long. Long's history includes misdemeanors and a dishonorable discharge from the Coast Guard. Further investigation links Long to the Cottage Cafe, where his knife—found at the crime scene—originated.

Notable Quote:

Lieutenant Lee Jones [18:36]: "The print belongs to a man by the name of Long. Robert Long."

7. Second Attack and Heightened Tension

As the manhunt intensifies, another attack is reported at St. John's Place. A woman, Rita, is assaulted by a large man wielding a knife. Although the injury is less severe, the description doesn't fully align with Long, raising doubts about his sole culpability.

Notable Quote:

Lieutenant Lee Jones [17:15]: "He was coming home. Up the street, a man, he tried to grab her."

8. Pursuit and Clues at the Café

While tracking leads at coffee shops and restaurants, Friday and Romero receive a tip from a café worker who recalls a man matching Long's description engaging with a woman. This clue reignites their pursuit, leading them back to the Cottage Cafe for a stakeout.

Notable Quote:

Café Worker [21:41]: "Whoever he is, he's a lady killer."

9. Capture of Robert Long

The culmination of the investigation arrives when a dispatcher alerts the team to Long's presence at East Main. Amidst heavy rainfall, Friday and Romero pursue Long through city streets and alleys. A high-stakes chase ensues, leading them to a warehouse where Long attempts to escape. After a tense confrontation, Long is apprehended in the loft of the building, confirming him as the killer.

Notable Quote:

Joe Friday [27:26]: "Come on, let's get that punk now."

10. Conclusion and Reflection

With Long in custody, the team reflects on the case's challenges and victories. Chief Backstrand lauds their persistence, while Friday muses on the psychological profile of their suspect—a man driven by an inexplicable urge to kill. The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the police force's dedication to maintaining public safety.

Notable Quote:

Ed Backstrand [19:57]: "None of the victims were criminally attacked. They were strangled, bodies mutilated."

---

Episode Highlights and Insights

• Authentic Procedural Detail: The episode meticulously portrays police procedures, from crime scene investigation to fingerprint analysis, highlighting the realism that "Dragnet" is renowned for.

• Character Dynamics: The professional camaraderie between Friday, Romero, and Backstrand adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the teamwork essential in law enforcement.

• Psychological Profiling: The suspect, Robert Long, is depicted as a methodical yet irrational killer, offering insights into criminal psychology and the challenges of discerning motives.

• Atmospheric Setting: The relentless rain serves as a metaphor for the pervasive threat of the killer and the pervasive atmosphere of urgency in the investigation.

• Moral Undertones: The dedication of the police force reflects the broader themes of duty, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice, embodied by real-life figures like Detective Lewis A. Abbott.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [28:56]: "The story you have just heard is true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent."

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Dragnet" encapsulates the essence of the Golden Age of Radio—combining suspenseful storytelling with procedural accuracy. For listeners who haven't experienced this classic series, "Dragnet" offers a gripping glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of law enforcement in mid-20th century Los Angeles. Through its rich narrative and authentic dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also honors the real-life heroes who tirelessly work to keep communities safe.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh. Fierce. This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Joe Friday]

Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

Here's another in NBC's great parade of new shows.

[Officer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you're about.

[Witness]

To hear is true.

[Officer]

Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator]

NBC brings you Dragnet. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide. There's a mad killer at large in your city. A woman has been brutally slain, the body mutilated. The picture is clear. The killer has a thirst for blood. Your job. Get him.

[Officer]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime investigated and solved by the men who 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 Wednesday, January 12th. It was raining in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of Homicide. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Ed Backstrand, chief of detectives. My name's Friday. I was on the way back from the morgue and it was 11:23pm when I got to room 42, homicide.

[Ed Backstrand]

Hi, Joe. Chief wants to see you. He's in there with Romero.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks, Chandler. How's the wife?

[Witness]

Fine.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

How about your mother?

[Joe Friday]

Better. Thanks.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, Joe.

[Ed Backstrand]

Hi, Ronnie. Sit down.

[Ben Romero]

Did they post the body yet?

[Joe Friday]

In the morning. Pretty messy. Strangled and mutilated.

[Ben Romero]

The guy's a maniac, Skipper. The body shows it.

[Ed Backstrand]

A murder like this, anybody's a suspect.

[Joe Friday]

The coroner looked at the body. He says the weapon was a long, sharp instrument.

[Ben Romero]

Found her in a hotel down on East 3rd Street. Manager's son discovered her about 7:30.

[Ed Backstrand]

You talked to him?

[Joe Friday]

It was too much for him. He passed out. Manager wasn't home. We'll check with him before midnight.

[Ben Romero]

Close to it now, Joe. We better get going.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right. The boys from the crime lab, check the room.

[Joe Friday]

They're still down there. Ed. The place is a mess.

[Ed Backstrand]

Get back as soon as you Can. We're working straight through on this thing.

[Ben Romero]

That's a hot shot.

[Joe Friday]

I'll get it.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

At the lux Hotel, room 219, corner of south grand and Cordova. Dead body, possible homicide. Deluxe Hotel Room 219, corner South grand and Cordova.

[Joe Friday]

A dead.

[Ed Backstrand]

What is it? Friday?

[Joe Friday]

Lux Hotel, possible homicide.

[Ben Romero]

Busy night.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. You coming, Ed?

[Ed Backstrand]

Right. Let's go.

[Joe Friday]

Six minutes later, Ed Backstrand, Ben and I pulled up in front of the Lux Hotel. The manager met us at the door and led the way up a narrow stairway to the second floor. The room number was 219. We're prepared for the worst. We got it.

[Ed Backstrand]

You're right, Romero. The guy must be a maniac.

[Joe Friday]

Two hotels, two murders, the same mo. Three of us made a brief inspection of the room at the Luxe Hotel. We took a few notes on the appearance of the girl's body and a brief description. Apparently, she'd been strangled to death first and then her body brutally mangled. Ben and I went back down to the lobby and the manager of Mr. Ford showed us the house book. The girl was registered together with a man, Mr. And Mrs. Philip Grant. We took the hotel register to have it checked for fingerprints and to Photostat the handwriting. Ben notified the crime lab. Then we went back to the room.

[Witness]

And questioned the manager, Mr. And Mrs. Phillip Grant. That's all I know. I never saw either one of them before tonight.

[Joe Friday]

When did they check in, Mr. Ford?

[Witness]

About three hours ago. That's right. About nine. Maybe a little before.

[Ben Romero]

Did they register together?

[Witness]

Yeah, a little before nine. They came in together.

[Ed Backstrand]

Did you let them in the room?

[Witness]

Yes, sir, like I always do. It's a small place here. Maybe not first class, but I treat people right.

[Joe Friday]

What did the man look like? You remember?

[Witness]

I think so. Kind of tall, young, maybe 30 or so. Husky fella. Had a mustache.

[Ed Backstrand]

How tall would you say, Mr. Ford?

[Witness]

Oh, about your height. Wade. Must have been at least 180. Seemed like a nice fella.

[Ben Romero]

Would you know him if you saw him again?

[Witness]

I think so. People sure don't act like they look. You think it was him?

[Joe Friday]

Can you think of anybody else?

[Witness]

Well, no. I never saw him before tonight. Either one of them. I don't know anything about it.

[Joe Friday]

Did you notice anything in particular about them when they came in?

[Witness]

Well, he didn't show it, but it looked like she'd been drinking. A little giggling, you know.

[Ed Backstrand]

And you didn't see this man Grant leave the hotel?

[Witness]

No, I didn't. I must have been checking the account books. Back of the Desk. Guess he got by me.

[Ben Romero]

Is there a back entrance to the hotel, Mr. Ford?

[Witness]

No, he had to come out this way. All right.

[Joe Friday]

How about the fire escape?

[Witness]

I never thought of that. Say, I bet you cops think I'm trying to hide something.

[Ed Backstrand]

How did you happen to find the body?

[Witness]

I don't know anything about it. Honest. I've been running the hotel for 10 years now. Everybody knows me around here. You can ask at the bank.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Mr. Ford. Now, would you mind telling us how you happened to find the body?

[Witness]

I don't want a lot of lousy newspaper publicity, give the place a bad name. Can you blame me?

[Ed Backstrand]

The newspapers won't get your name from us. All we want to know is how you happened to find the body.

[Witness]

Well, I told you, it's a small place here, but I like to treat people right. Couple hours after they checked in, I remembered I forgot to fill the ice water pitcher in the room. So I got some and took it up. The door was opened a little ways. It's got a bad catch on it. And the lights were on. I peeked in and there she was. She was. Well, the guy must have been crazy.

[Ben Romero]

Do you remember what time it was when you found her?

[Witness]

Just before I called the cops. About half past eleven, I guess.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right, Ford, that's all for now. When the other officers get here, show them up, William.

[Witness]

Yes, sir, I sure will.

[Ed Backstrand]

Romero.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, Giver?

[Ed Backstrand]

Get on the phone downstairs and call the Metropolitan Division. Have them send us every available man from the Reserve Unit. We're going to patrol the area for the rest of the night.

[Ben Romero]

Right, Chief.

[Ed Backstrand]

Least we can do is make it hard for him. Two murders in seven hours.

[Joe Friday]

Both of them in a three block radius.

[Ed Backstrand]

Same pattern. It's gotta be the same guy.

[Joe Friday]

All right, we got a description. What do you think?

[Ed Backstrand]

When the Reserve Unit shows up, have them cover this whole section of town. Pick up everybody who even comes close to that guy's description. All right, Ed, it's got to go fast. We can't lose a minute. One hour either way. It might mean another body like this one.

[Joe Friday]

Nine minutes later. At four minutes past midnight, the men from the crime lab showed up. It started to drizzle. They went over the room in detail. They dusted everything in the room for fingerprints. The walls, the doors, the fixtures in the bathroom. The lamps, chairs, everything. They took samples of the girl's blood and her lipstick. Small pieces of flesh and human hair were found under the girl's fingernails. The nails were scraped carefully and the contents put in an envelope marked and sealed. Ed Backstrand ordered pictures taken of the room and the girl's body from different angles. Every object in the room that could have any possible tie in with the murder was photographed. It was raining. The rear of the hotel where the fire escape was overlooked. A vacant lot. Ben had a hunch. While the lab men were at work, we left the hotel and circled around into the lot for a look at the ground. Directly underneath the fire escape ladder. It was raining hard now.

[Ben Romero]

Must be a easier way to make a living. Mud's almost up to my knees. Mine, too.

[Joe Friday]

Watch your step. See any prints?

[Ben Romero]

No. Wait till my wife sees these new shoes.

[Joe Friday]

Put it on your expense account.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, real funny, Ben.

[Joe Friday]

Get that light over here. Look.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Good set of prints. Lucky that rain didn't start turning to wash them out by now.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Hand me that cover from the trash can over there. I'll cover them. Wait a minute.

[Ben Romero]

What?

[Joe Friday]

Here, on the edge of the fire escape ladder.

[Ben Romero]

Small hunk of fluff. Man suit.

[Joe Friday]

Well, looks like it might have caught himself in that sharp corner. I got it.

[Witness]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Come on. Let's get back.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Out of this mud bath, yo. Huh? Let me have a lie.

[Joe Friday]

You catch anything?

[Ben Romero]

Hunk of wrapping paper in that trash can. Stains on him.

[Joe Friday]

Open it up.

[Ben Romero]

Look. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Butcher knife. We went back to the lux Hotel, room 219. The lab men were tearing the room apart. It was 10 minutes to 1. We gave the blood stained knife and the piece of cloth we found on the fire escape to Lieutenant Lee Jones, head of the crime lab. We told him about the footprints just below the fire escape ladder.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

The knife will help us. Solar cloth. I don't know about the footprints. You say you covered them?

[Ben Romero]

That's right, Lee. They still look in pretty good shape.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Maybe we can do something. If the rain hasn't broken them down too bad. Bracken.

[Witness]

Yeah, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

You and Sloan get downstairs and take a look at those prints. They're good enough. Get a torch, dry them out, make a cast. Right.

[Ed Backstrand]

Okay, Lieutenant.

[Ben Romero]

Come on.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

That's about all I can do for you now, Ed. I think we got everything there is to get.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right, Jones. I'll follow you back to the lab in a couple of minutes.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Okay, Ed. Good luck, fellas.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks, Lee. We're gonna need it.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right, Friday, Romero. It's your baby for the rest of the night.

[Ben Romero]

They get anything?

[Ed Backstrand]

Few prints. A woman's purse under the bed. Know if it's hers or not? No identification.

[Joe Friday]

You're going to be at the crime lab, Ed.

[Ed Backstrand]

All night as soon as we find anything, I'll let you know. Yeah?

[Witness]

Gang of cops just came in the lobby. They asked for you.

[Ed Backstrand]

Must be the reserve men for Metropolitan. Tell them we'll be right down for it.

[Witness]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

You want us to handle it, Ed?

[Ed Backstrand]

That's right. Do just as I told you. Spread them out over the whole area. Cover the streets, the alleys, the floor, restaurants, bars, everything. You got a description to go on. Find the man that fits it.

[Ben Romero]

Right. Scaraba.

[Ed Backstrand]

Don't forget the guy's a killer twice over. I don't think he'd hesitate on you. Be careful.

[Joe Friday]

We went down to the lobby and Ed Backstrand gave the reserve men their orders. Then Backstrand left and Ben and I took over. We picked up another half dozen men. In addition to the men in the reserve unit. They were deployed over an area of a dozen square blocks. It was one of the toughest sections of the city. With a general description of the suspect. Some of them were to travel on foot, some in cruiser cars. A few minutes before 1am There was a steady downpour. Visibility was bad. At three minutes past one, the manhunt was on. For the first 30 minutes, Ben and I cruised the general area between East Third and College streets and Alameda and Figueroa. No sign. The rain kept on. We sat and listened to the calls. Come in.

[Dispatcher]

12A Collier Station. 12A KMA 367. Attention all units. Recovered license plates in the sixth column. Four Young, 7690 41R. 788 Standard Avenue or 373 41R, KMA 367. Unit 71 at 2816 West La Cienega. A 507 party.

[Ben Romero]

What do you think, Joe? Any hunches?

[Joe Friday]

I. I think he's still around somewhere inside these 12 blocks. I'd bet on it.

[Ben Romero]

Five.

[Joe Friday]

All right, you're on.

[Ben Romero]

Want to check out a couple of these bars along here? Getting on to closing time.

[Joe Friday]

It's a good idea. Pull over, huh?

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Let's check him for the next couple of blocks, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

For the next six blocks until closing time. Ben and I checked every bar and every informant we met along the way. The questions got to be automatic. Have you seen a man answering this description? Tall, dark, about 5ft 11, 180 pounds, well built, mustache, about 30 years old. The answer's got to be automatic, too.

[Ben Romero]

Sorry, officer, I haven't seen him.

[Witness]

No?

[Ed Backstrand]

Can't remember him. Try the place down the street.

[Joe Friday]

We kept on checking the bars until. Until they closed for the night. Then we started on the all night restaurants and coffee counters. We did plenty of leg work for the next hour. Not a trace. About 2:30, the rain let up a little. And then it started in heavy all over again.

[Ben Romero]

That finishes that block. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

I better get the radio on.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Beautiful weather.

[Joe Friday]

The bucket full. Want to smoke?

[Ben Romero]

Thank you.

[Dispatcher]

Control four to unit. 80K.

[Ben Romero]

Your location.

[Dispatcher]

Yes, 80K, your location. KMA 367.

[Ben Romero]

That's us, Joe. You want to take it?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I got it. 80K to control 4. 80K to control 4. Our location, corner of Alameda and Commercial. KMA 367.

[Dispatcher]

80K, stand by.

[Ben Romero]

Something doing maybe?

[Joe Friday]

No, hold on a minute.

[Dispatcher]

Control, Ford 80K. Go to the crime lab. Code 2.

[Joe Friday]

ADK to Control 4. KMA 367, crime lab.

[Ben Romero]

Maybe those prints paid off.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I hope so. Let's go.

[Ben Romero]

That killer sure picked fine weather to work in. Feels like I just been swimming in these clothes.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I hope those guys in the crime lab have the heater on.

[Ben Romero]

A hot bath and a warm bed. Lead me on.

[Dispatcher]

Attention all units at 4 2o St. John's Place. A woman screaming at 42 0St. John's Place.

[Joe Friday]

All right, double around. Ben, hit the siren. I'll get the light.

[Ed Backstrand]

Right.

[Ben Romero]

Hold on. Left turn on the markets. That right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Watch out for those contracts are wet.

[Ben Romero]

Hold on again.

[Joe Friday]

The alley up ahead to your right, huh? All right, pull up. Ben, put the street light over there.

[Ben Romero]

There you are.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Let'S go.

[Joe Friday]

All right, what happened? Let's have it, Rita.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

She was coming home. Up the street, a man, he tried to grab her. He slashed her coat. Look at her. I saw him as he ran under the street light.

[Ben Romero]

Where'd he go?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Down that way. Down the alley over that pinch there.

[Ed Backstrand]

A big man.

[Joe Friday]

Davis. Davis, you there?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Yeah, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ben, go with Davis. Circle behind the alley, see what you can find. I'll call in.

[Ben Romero]

All right. Come on, babe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Oh, look at her face.

[Ed Backstrand]

What's wrong with her?

[Joe Friday]

Severe state of shock, it looks like. Get her in the house, huh? I'll call an ambulance. 80K to Control 4. 80K to Control 4.

[Dispatcher]

Control 4, go ahead.

[Joe Friday]

Direct. All units in the vicinity to converge on area around St. John's Place. Place from Jackson to Banning Street. A woman attacked by large man with knife. Suspect left scene on foot, possibly still an area. Request ambulance. KMA 367, 80K.

[Dispatcher]

Roger, standby. Attention all units. Attention all units. Converge on area around St. John's Place. Jackson to Banning Street. ADK reports woman attacked by large man with knife. Suspect left scene on site.

[Joe Friday]

In three minutes. The area around St. John's Place was surrounded. For the next hour, the men combed the neighborhood back and forth. Every building, every storehouse in the two square blocks was searched from basement to attic. No trace. The girl, Rita, was hysterical. She could give us only a bare description of her attacker. At 3:45am a detail was assigned to patrol the area and the rest of the cars and men were deployed again in the general area. From Figueroa to Alameda street and East 3rd to College Street. The manhunt went on. So did the rain. At 3:54, Ben and I checked in at the old city jail building. Second floor, the crime lab. Chief Ed Backstrand and Lee Jones were waiting for us.

[Ed Backstrand]

Heard about the call. How'd he get away?

[Ben Romero]

Not sure it was him, Skipper.

[Ed Backstrand]

How do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Well, the girl wasn't hurt bad. For one thing. No attempted strangling. For another thing, the guy stole her purse. That doesn't sound like the man we're after.

[Ed Backstrand]

Did you get a description from the girl?

[Joe Friday]

Didn't jibe too well. What she gave us, she's pretty hysterical.

[Ed Backstrand]

And you raked the neighborhood good.

[Joe Friday]

Every corner. Not a sign. You find anything?

[Ed Backstrand]

Yeah. Jones.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Yeah, Ed.

[Ed Backstrand]

Fill him in, will you?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Not one print on that knife you found, boys. Blood, but not a print. Your killer's crazy like a fox.

[Ben Romero]

How about the scrapings from the girl's fingernails, Lee?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Didn't help too much, really do. Not enough to go on. Gotta have a fair sized bit of flesh to run it for. Papple ridges. All we found under the girl's fingernails are small bits of skin. Yeah, she probably scratched the guy up some. Might have drawn blood. We had more luck with the footprints.

[Ben Romero]

You get an impression, dried out the.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Ground with torches and cast them about size 10B.

[Joe Friday]

That's fine, Lee, but how about the prints?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Only good. One was a thumb. Real good. Got it off the wall near the light switch in the bathroom.

[Ben Romero]

Did you classify it yet?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

Yep. Found it in our single fingerprint file. The print belongs to a man by the name of Long. Robert Long.

[Joe Friday]

He got a record, Ed?

[Ed Backstrand]

Yeah. Misdemeanor. Two arrests for drunkenness last October, petty theft in December. The mama sheet shows a dishonorable discharge from the United States coast guard in 1946. Age 29, 192 pounds, 5ft 10 inches, dark hair, dark eyes.

[Joe Friday]

That's close enough.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

We got even closer. Joe Long works as a counterman at the Cottage Cafe down on South Flower. Started there last week on the early morning shift, but. But he didn't show up for work last night.

[Ed Backstrand]

Good.

[Ben Romero]

Where'd you get the tip?

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

The knife you boys found didn't have any prints, but it had a brand on it. We ran it down. It was taken from the Cottage Cafe.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Any address on this Robert Long, Ed?

[Ed Backstrand]

Yeah, I got it from his boss. Rooming house in East First. Landlady says he hasn't been home in two nights.

[Ben Romero]

Now we wait.

[Ed Backstrand]

Rooming house is staked out, and so is the Cottage Cafe. Just in case Long decides to show up for work this morning. What time you got, Romero?

[Ben Romero]

Six minutes past four.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right, we've got every indication that Robert Long's the man we're after. His description, fingerprints, the knife, footprint, his size. Maybe we're wrong. I don't think so.

[Joe Friday]

How about a motive, Ed?

[Ed Backstrand]

I think Robert Long likes to kill.

[Ben Romero]

He's thirsty for it.

[Ed Backstrand]

None of the victims were criminally attacked. They were strangled, bodies mutilated.

[Joe Friday]

How about robbery?

[Ben Romero]

No.

[Ed Backstrand]

Two of the women he killed had money in their purses. He didn't touch it.

[Ben Romero]

Well, what's next, Skipper? Back on the street.

[Ed Backstrand]

Figueroa. Tell him. Eat him. East 3rd to College Street. Keep an ED around that area and work it back and forth until we're positive he's not inside. I think he is.

[Joe Friday]

At 10 minutes past 4am Ed Baxter and Ben and I left the crime lab and drove to the surrounded area. It was still raining. We passed several patrolmen from the reserve unit making the rounds. They didn't look any more comfortable than we felt. At Broadway and Alpine Street, Ben and I got out and started patrolling on foot again. Backstrand followed in the car to maintain a radio check. We must have covered two dozen blocks and a half a dozen coffee counters before we got to the Criteria and Restaurant and Donut Shop a few blocks up the street from the Cottage Cafe.

[Ben Romero]

Hey, Skipper, you want to take a minute for some hot coffee? I'll keep an ear on the radio.

[Ed Backstrand]

You two go ahead. You look drenched.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we are. Can we bring you some back in a paper carton?

[Ed Backstrand]

Fine. Thanks. Cream, no sugar.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ed. Come on, be.

[Ben Romero]

Place is empty.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Café Worker]

Yes, sir.

[Officer]

Gentlemen.

[Café Worker]

What'll it be? Hot coffee.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, there's two of us here. Can you fix up one to go?

[Café Worker]

Sure thing.

[Joe Friday]

Saying that. One to go. Cream, no sugar.

[Ed Backstrand]

Right.

[Café Worker]

Say, you fellas cops?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Why?

[Café Worker]

No offense. Just wondering.

[Ben Romero]

Here you are. Thank you.

[Café Worker]

Cop in uniform was around a couple hours ago. Wanted to know if I'd Seen some guy he was looking for.

[Joe Friday]

Tall, about 190 pounds, mustache, about 30 years old.

[Café Worker]

Yeah, that's the description he gave me. He was looking for the guy.

[Ben Romero]

So are we.

[Café Worker]

Say, that's good. That other cop came in right at my busiest time. A little after two, when the bars closed. You know, it gets pretty rushed. And I didn't have much time to think, so I just said no. Then after the cop left, I remembered.

[Joe Friday]

You saw a man answering that description tonight.

[Café Worker]

Yeah. I would have told the cop, but I was rushed. You know how it is. No time to think. And then I remembered.

[Ben Romero]

Are you sure?

[Café Worker]

Oh, I'm sure all right. Whoever he is, he's a lady killer.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Café Worker]

No offense. There was a sharp looking dame down the end of the counter. And this guy breezes in and picks her up. Talks to her about 20 minutes. Buys her a cup of coffee and they walk out together.

[Joe Friday]

Do you remember what she looked like?

[Café Worker]

Oh, nice looking dame. Not beautiful, you know, more on the. On the cute side.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, you got that morgue shot?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah. You're here, dear.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. Here's a picture. This the girl?

[Café Worker]

Let's see.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's her.

[Ed Backstrand]

Who is she?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know, mister. Down at the morgue, they call her Jane Doe number seven. Just by accident, we'd come across a concrete lead on the killer's method of operation. The picture we showed the man in the donut shop was a shot of the strangler's first victim the night before. Evidently, the the killer would enter a bar, coffee shop or restaurant, strike up a conversation with a woman, make friends with her, either buy our drinks or invite her to a bar in the neighborhood. And then the rest of the puzzle was still unsolved. We went back to the Cottage Cafe and checked with the men on stakeout.

[Ben Romero]

Not a sign of him, Chief.

[Ed Backstrand]

How are you men covering the place?

[Ben Romero]

Baxter up in front in the booth across from the cash register. Lyman's back with the dishwashers.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

I'm at the counter.

[Joe Friday]

When's Long due to report for work, Dave?

[Ben Romero]

At 5.

[Lieutenant Lee Jones]

About 20 minutes to go.

[Ben Romero]

You're lucky you're inside. It's wet out there.

[Ed Backstrand]

You're looking all right, Davis. We'll be around about five. Right, Chief. Let's get back in the car.

[Ben Romero]

Work too, Skipper.

[Ed Backstrand]

Cruise the next two blocks, but don't go too far. If Long shows up for work this morning, we want to be around.

[Joe Friday]

The next 10 minutes. Dragged by. The rain kept on backstrand. Chewed nervously on a cigar. At South Flower and First Street. The sewers were clogged with street refuse. The rain backed up and filled the intersection. A group of aircraft workers huddled together in a doorway on one corner waiting for the bus. It was cold and damp. I opened one of the back windows in the car to get some fresh air in. Off in the distance and close by, we could hear the sounds of a big city waking up slow to a rainy January morning. It was eight minutes to five.

[Dispatcher]

Attention, all units. Attention all units. At 7:80 East Main, a restaurant man answering description of murder suspect.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right, Romero, step on it.

[Joe Friday]

About 10 blocks away, Ed. Who's gonna cover the men at the Cottage Cafe?

[Ed Backstrand]

If this is a blind lead, it won't take us long to find out. They can handle it alone if they have to.

[Ben Romero]

Hang on. Look out. We're skidding.

[Joe Friday]

That was a close one, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. If this is the guy, I owe you five bucks, right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Dispatcher]

Attention, all units. Additional information on your call to 780-East- Main. Officers in pursuit of suspect. Suspect is on foot.

[Ed Backstrand]

Step on it, Romeo.

[Ben Romero]

Two more blocks, skipper.

[Joe Friday]

Watch his, Ben. Next one to the left.

[Ben Romero]

Got it.

[Joe Friday]

That's the joint up ahead there.

[Ed Backstrand]

All right, watch your step and don't take chances. Don't play with him.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Ed Backstrand]

Here we go.

[Ben Romero]

He went out the back, ran down that alley.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Behind you.

[Ed Backstrand]

You men, hustle it. Circle around the block and choke off the alley.

[Dispatcher]

Fast.

[Ed Backstrand]

Emerson.

[Joe Friday]

Almost.

[Ed Backstrand]

Go with them.

[Joe Friday]

Right. All right, over the fence. Ben. Ben, look out. Look out. You all right?

[Ben Romero]

It's not that good. Come on, Joe. All right, there he goes between the buildings.

[Joe Friday]

Stop or I'll shoot.

[Ben Romero]

The next house. He ducked into the basement.

[Joe Friday]

All right, cover me.

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Come on. He broke through the garage doors.

[Ben Romero]

Where's Davis?

[Joe Friday]

Dave. Dave. He slipped through. Get down to the next corner and ring the block. Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Ben.

[Joe Friday]

Ben. Did you follow him?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, right on his tail. That warehouse, couple of lots over. He went through the back. There it is, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

But don't go in blind. Watch out. All right, you. You haven't got a chance. Come out with your hands up.

[Ben Romero]

He's not stopping, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's fan out. All right, Ben, Cover me. I'm going for the door. All right, Ben. Come on. You're clear. You spot. There he is.

[Ben Romero]

Let's get him close. He's in a good spot. Let's move.

[Joe Friday]

He's up in the loft. Come on, let's head for the stairs, will you? Easy. You spot him, Ben?

[Ben Romero]

No, not a sign.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, look out. That case.

[Ben Romero]

Kind of close, huh? Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Let's get that punk now.

[Ben Romero]

Joe, there's another one.

[Joe Friday]

All right, you. We got the warehouse surrounded. Come on down. All right, then we'll blast you out.

[Ben Romero]

Joe. He's dropping down the ladder. He's going for the front door.

[Joe Friday]

They're waiting for you with Tommy guns out there. They'll cut you down. Stop.

[Ben Romero]

Joe. Drew's got the door open. He's making a break for it.

[Joe Friday]

He's crazy. He's trying to shoot his way out. Well, he asked for it.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Let's take a look. Messed up.

[Joe Friday]

Like his girlfriends.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Maybe he just didn't like women.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe. Hi, Ed.

[Ed Backstrand]

You all right?

[Ben Romero]

Tired.

[Ed Backstrand]

This is him, huh? Even the scratches that girl made on his face. Description match.

[Joe Friday]

5Ft 10, 192 pounds, dark hair, dark eyes. Age 29. Robert Long. Killer.

[Narrator]

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

[Officer]

You have just heard the 10th in a new series of authentic cases transcribed from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet is furnished by the Los Angeles Police Department.

[Narrator]

Tonight's program is dedicated to Detective Lewis A. Abbott of the Chicago Police Department. Who on the afternoon of March 3, 1947, gave his life so that yours might be more secure.

[Officer]

Dragnet came to you from Los Angeles. If you enjoyed tonight's production of Dragnet, you'll probably want to listen this Saturday evening to a pair of adventure shows featuring two well known Hollywood personalities. You'll enjoy Brian Donlevy, star of Dangerous Assignment. Also on Saturday's schedule is Richard diamond, private detective. As played by the screen's romantic tough guy, Dick Powell. Listen to both of these exciting programs this Saturday over most of these NBC stations. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.