Podcast Summary: "Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Episode: Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler
- Release Date: January 10, 2025
1. Introduction to Night Watch
The episode "Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler" immerses listeners into an authentic police patrol experience from Culver City, California. Hosted by Police Recorder Don Reed, the episode presents real-time police activities, offering a gripping narrative of law enforcement in action without the use of actors or scripts.
Key Introduction Points:
- Don Reed's Role: As a police recorder, Don Reed narrates the unfolding events from Police Car 54 during a 6 PM to 2 AM shift.
- Authenticity Emphasis: From the outset, the episode underscores that all voices and sounds are genuine, enhancing the immersive experience for listeners.
"The sounds you are listening to are real. This is a police car reporting in service for night duty."
— Don Reed [01:32]
2. Initial Patrol and Call Handling
The night begins with routine patrol duties, logging incidents as they occur. Don Reed details various reports, showcasing the dynamic nature of police work during the night shift.
Notable Incidents Logged:
-
Stolen Car Report: "At 6:31pm this date we took a stolen car report and arranged transportation home for the victim."
— Don Reed [02:46] -
Traffic Accident Assistance: "7:32pm Assisted Wesley, Los Angeles Police at the scene of a traffic accident."
— Don Reed [02:46]
These entries set the stage for the primary case of the night involving a prowler.
3. Encounter with the Nude Prowler
The pivotal moment of the episode unfolds as Police Car 54 receives a report of a "45 9," indicating a burglar in the vicinity.
Detailed Narrative:
-
Dispatch Details: "A burglar is in the house and has been cited by some citizen or perhaps even the victim."
— Don Reed [03:20] -
Approach Without Sirens: The officers approach the scene running code two, using only red lights to avoid alerting the suspect prematurely.
-
Tension Builds: Don Reed describes the palpable tension within the patrol car as they near the suspect's location.
"I can feel the tension that has suddenly come over the car."
— Don Reed [03:20]
- Discovery of the Suspect: Upon arrival, the officers find a middle-aged woman in distress and the suspect in an unexpected state.
4. Witness Testimony and Suspect Interaction
The narrative deepens as the victim recounts her harrowing experience with the prowler, providing critical insights into the suspect's behavior and appearance.
Victim's Account:
"Whoever he was, he canoe and I went into the bathroom and he was in this room and I thought it was my daughter..."
— Witness [05:26]
-
Description of the Suspect: The victim describes the burglar as a "taller than you", wearing "gray trousers and a white shirt and a tie."
— Witness [05:46] -
Discovery of Evidence: A coat with a name is found, linking the suspect to the scene.
Don Reed's Follow-Up:
"Unquestionably we will go on an investigation and determine just who and what this man is."
— Don Reed [06:13]
5. Escalation and Arrest
As Police Car 54 responds to a second prowler call nearby, the investigation takes a swift turn towards apprehension.
Key Moments:
-
Simultaneous Calls: A second prowler report at 2036 Evergreen ties the cases together, heightening the urgency.
— Don Reed [07:09] -
Apprehension of the Suspect: Officers locate the suspect attempting to burglarize another residence. The suspect is found in an undressed state, leading to a swift arrest.
"He is in the bedroom, or rather the bathroom of a private home. The officers are in with him and he is standing in the nude at the present time."
— Don Reed [07:33]
6. Booking and Suspect's Denial
At the Culver City police station, the suspect, identified as Murphy, denies ownership of the properties in question and insists on his innocence.
Dialogue Highlights:
-
Murphy's Claims:
"The house belonged to me, Sergeant."
— Murphy [09:37]"They too belong to me, Sergeant."
— Murphy [09:41] -
Request for Fair Trial:
"Would I be going too far to ask for fair trials?"
— Murphy [10:29] -
Don Reed's Response:
"We don't have any. We buddies are gonna try to get some for you."
— Don Reed [10:38]
The interactions reveal Murphy's evasive tactics and assert his non-involvement in the crimes.
7. New Developments and Homicide Case
As the investigation progresses, new information surfaces linking Murphy to a possible homicide case.
Witness Statements:
-
First Witness:
"He said, I'm gonna kill that woman."
— Witness [13:41] -
Second Witness:
"He called her wino and said, I'll kill that old drunk wino some of these days if she don't get to doing better."
— Witness [14:49]
These testimonies paint a picture of a man with violent intentions, complicating the case against him.
Sergeant Perkins' Update:
"A friend of the suspect brought some clothes for the prisoner and stated the suspect did not own any property he claimed."
— Don Reed [11:37]
Additionally, it is revealed that Murphy was a guest of honor at a stag party and is set to marry the following day, introducing potential motives and alibis.
8. Victim's Final Testimony and Justifiable Homicide
The victim provides a detailed account of the confrontation, culminating in her shooting of the prowler to protect herself.
Victim's Statement:
"I decided, well, I'll soak my feet and then I'll take my bath and shampoo my hair in the morning..."
— Victim [16:28]
- Confrontation: The victim confronts the prowler with a gun, leading to a physical altercation.
- Shooting Incident:
"So I pulled the trigger. And then he started cursing me."
— Victim [19:15]
This testimony leads to the coroner's inquest, where the shooting is deemed as justifiable homicide.
9. Conclusion and Official Statements
The episode wraps up with official statements from Police Chief W.N. Hildebrand, affirming the outcomes of the night's investigations.
Key Conclusions:
-
Legal Proceedings:
"In the case of the homicide... a verdict of justifiable homicide was rendered."
— Officer [21:24] -
Community Cooperation: Chief Hildebrand emphasizes the importance of citizen cooperation in effective policing.
"If, through this program, our department can further that cause, then our efforts will be well rewarded in bringing you the Night Watch."
— Bob Conlon [21:24]
10. Episode Closure
As the shift concludes, Don Reed finalizes the log and reports out of service, marking the end of a night filled with intense and life-changing events.
"Clear and reporting out of service. Check 54, 2:31am End of night watch."
— Don Reed [23:25]
Notable Quotes:
-
"The sounds you are listening to are real. This is a police car reporting in service for night duty."
— Don Reed [01:32] -
"I can feel the tension that has suddenly come over the car."
— Don Reed [03:20] -
"He is standing in the nude at the present time."
— Don Reed [07:33] -
"Would I be going too far to ask for fair trials?"
— Murphy [10:29] -
"I'll kill that woman."
— Witness [13:41] -
"If, through this program, our department can further that cause, then our efforts will be well rewarded in bringing you the Night Watch."
— Bob Conlon [21:24]
Final Thoughts
"Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler" offers a compelling and realistic portrayal of night-time police operations, blending suspense with procedural accuracy. Through authentic recordings and detailed witness accounts, listeners gain an immersive understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement during their nightly patrols. The episode not only entertains but also highlights the critical role of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.