Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (02) Case #26 - Auto Safety Check Nets Auto Thief

Summary

Summary of "Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (02) Case #26 - Auto Safety Check Nets Auto Thief"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television and the family all sat around the radio and listened to the shows of the time like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (02) Case #26 - Auto Safety Check Nets Auto Thief
• Release Date: February 20, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (02) Case #26 - Auto Safety Check Nets Auto Thief", listeners are transported to Eureka, California. The story revolves around a California Highway Patrol (CHP) squad conducting a routine check for defective headlights, which unfolds into a suspenseful chase involving an elusive auto thief, Jim Packer.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens in the evening of August 1 in Eureka, California. A squad of CHP officers—Captain Kirkpatrick, Sergeant Warren, Officer Nichols, Officer Satan, and Officer Hill—are performing a light raid targeting vehicles with faulty headlights near the sheriff's office and county courthouse on Fourth Street.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [00:29]: "Case number 26. What you are about to hear takes us to Eureka, California."

This introduction sets the tone for a classic law enforcement drama, emphasizing the routine nature that soon escalates into unexpected danger.

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Initial Traffic Stop and Tension

Captain Kirkpatrick initiates the traffic stops by addressing drivers with defective headlights. His authoritative demeanor is evident as he instructs drivers to adjust their headlights and provides them with a compliance card.

Notable Quote:

Captain Kirkpatrick [00:54]: "You have a defective headlight on the right."

During one such stop, tension arises when an officer misidentifies his rank, leading to confusion and authority challenges.

Notable Quote:

Officer [01:47]: "You call me Captain Kirkpatrick?"

Captain Kirkpatrick [01:49]: "Yeah, yeah. How much of a line have we stacked up here?"

This exchange introduces friction within the rank-and-file dynamics of the patrol team, hinting at underlying tensions.

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Introducing Jim Packer

The narrative introduces Jim Packer, a charismatic salesman driving a borrowed car. His interaction with Jenny, a local woman, reveals his personable nature and establishes him as a key character whose actions will drive the plot forward.

Notable Quotes:

Jim Packer [02:31]: "Yeah, I've just been sent up here to cover this territory."

Jenny [02:38]: "Then we'll be able to see a lot more of each other, won't we?"

Jim's friendly demeanor contrasts with the formal authority of the CHP officers, setting up a dynamic that will become crucial as the story progresses.

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Escalation of Conflict

As the CHP continues their operation, Jim Packer becomes a person of interest. During a subsequent traffic stop, discrepancies in his story and lack of proper identification raise suspicions among the officers.

Notable Quote:

Jim Packer [05:22]: "This isn't my car. I borrowed it from a friend of mine this afternoon."

His evasive responses and the absence of a driver's license further escalate the situation, leading Captain Kirkpatrick to take decisive action by escorting him to the sheriff's office for verification.

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The Chase Begins

Upon discovering inconsistencies in Jim's story, tension mounts. Captain Kirkpatrick decides to verify Jim's claims, inadvertently alerting Jim to their suspicions. In a swift turn of events, Jim attempts to flee, initiating a high-stakes chase through the streets of Eureka.

Notable Quote:

Captain Kirkpatrick [07:46]: "Stop or I'll have to plug you."

Jim's aggressive response ignites the pursuit, with officers in hot pursuit, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

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Climax: The Confrontation

The chase culminates in a dramatic standoff where Jim Packer brandishes a gun, threatening the officers. The situation spirals into chaos as shots are fired, and the safety of both the officers and Jim is jeopardized.

Notable Quotes:

Jim Packer [10:03]: "How'd you come and get me, copper?"

Captain Kirkpatrick [10:05]: "Cover us. You drop that gun, you."

The intensity of the confrontation highlights the perils faced by law enforcement officers and underscores the unpredictability of such operations.

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Resolution and Aftermath

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, it's revealed that Jim Packer is Everett Parman, a wanted individual for murder in Roseville. The chase intensifies as officers realize they are dealing with a dangerous fugitive, prompting immediate reinforcement and medical assistance for the injured Captain Kirkpatrick.

Notable Quote:

Officer [09:57]: "It's Everett Parman, who's wanted for murder over in Roseville."

The episode closes on a cliffhanger, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of justice by the CHP and setting the stage for future developments in the series.

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Themes and Insights

• Authority and Compliance: The episode explores the dynamics between law enforcement officers and civilians, highlighting the challenges of maintaining authority while ensuring public safety.

• Evasion and Pursuit: Jim Packer's attempt to flee symbolizes the cat-and-mouse game inherent in police work, emphasizing the relentless nature of such pursuits.

• Trust and Verification: The necessity of verifying identities and intentions underscores the importance of due diligence in policing, especially when inconsistencies arise.

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Conclusion

"Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (02) Case #26 - Auto Safety Check Nets Auto Thief" delivers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Golden Age radio dramas. Through its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and suspenseful storytelling, the episode offers listeners an engaging glimpse into the high-stakes world of highway patrol operations. The inclusion of notable quotes with precise timestamps enhances the immersive experience, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of classic radio storytelling.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Case number 26. What you are about to hear takes us to Eureka, California.

[Officer]

It is early in the evening of.

[Narrator]

August 1, and a squad of California Highway Patrol officers, including Captain Kirkpatrick, Sergeant Warren, and officers Nichols, Satan and Hill are conducting a light raid against defective headlights on fourth street near the sheriff's office in county courthouse.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

You have a defective headlight on the right.

[Officer]

Will you please drive over to the.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Curb and hand this card to one of those officers over there?

[Officer]

All right, Officers.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Sir. Okay, P. Next car. Good evening. Will you direct your headlights on that screen now, please turn up the high.

[Officer]

Beam entering the M with my light, Officer.

[Narrator]

Yes, yes.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

I'll need some adjusting. They're pointed too high and they're glaring.

[Narrator]

Well, I didn't know about that.

[Officer]

Officer, you want to give me t. Oh, no, no.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Just pull over to the curb and have one of those officers fill out this card. Then to an official headlight adjusting station, have the necessary work done and mail the card to us.

[Officer]

Sure, sir.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

All right, Peyton, next car. Hey, say, Sergeant Duaren.

[Officer]

You call me Captain Kirkpatrick?

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Yeah, yeah. How much of a line have we stacked up here?

[Officer]

Well, they go back quite a way. There's a lot of cars coming into Eureka tonight. Looks like most of them have bad headlights.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Well, see if we can speed up operations a little. Then I'll go ahead here with a screen. All right, sir, will you turn your headlights on the screen there?

[Jenny]

Oh, Jim, you're a card. I'm found. Having more fun. I don't know what. I've enjoyed myself so.

[Narrator]

You and me both, sister. Say, I'm glad I stopped at your place for dinner. I didn't know I'd get a nice girl friend for dessert.

[Officer]

There you go again.

[Jenny]

You and your wise Craig. It ain't any guy that stopped at the end for supper asks me to go into town to go dancing.

[Narrator]

Ah, go on, Jenny. I bet you get lots of dating. You're a pretty swell looking gal. You know, I bet I'm just lucky you weren't all set to go out tonight. Say, we're really going to have a lot of fun tonight. I haven't been dancing since I was down in Stockton.

[Jenny]

Way down there. Gosh, you've been doing a lot of traveling, haven't you?

[Narrator]

Sure, I get around. I've been as far south as ensenada. That's about 100 miles over the Mexican border. I've been to Denver and up to Portland. I've been just about every place in the West.

[Jenny]

Golly, I sure envy you. You must have a lot of money to go traveling so much. You a salesman or something?

[Narrator]

Well, I've got a little money. Enough. Say, you struck it right, sister. That's what I am, a salesman.

[Jenny]

No wonder you get around. What line do you sell for?

[Narrator]

Well, I sell tractors. Elgin Tractors. Yeah, I've just been sent up here to cover this territory.

[Jenny]

Elgin Tractors?

[Officer]

I never heard of them.

[Jenny]

They must be a new kind.

[Narrator]

Yeah, they are. That's why they sent me to open up this territory.

[Jenny]

Then we'll be able to see a lot more of each other, won't we?

[Narrator]

You said it, baby.

[Jenny]

And, Jim, I know a lot of farmers might be able to use your tractors. I can introduce you to them.

[Narrator]

That'll be swell, Jenny, but let's not talk business. We're out to have a real big time.

[Jenny]

You bet we are.

[Narrator]

Say, look, there's the bridge.

[Jenny]

We're in Eureka already. Gosh, I was so busy talking, I didn't notice.

[Narrator]

So this is Eureka, is it?

[Jenny]

Yeah, sure it is.

[Narrator]

It's quite a little town, isn't it?

[Jenny]

Oh, it's the biggest town any place around here.

[Narrator]

Say, you ought to see some of the cities I've been in. They're real towns.

[Jenny]

Oh, yeah, of everything any other place has. Right here.

[Narrator]

Oh, sure, sure, I. I haven't said anything about it, have I? I just meant that sometimes I've seen. Would make this place look kind of small, that's all. Why, I can see this is quite a place, all right. You know, I think I'm going to like this part of the country.

[Jenny]

You think so? Jim, that's. Well, hey, look. Here's the county courthouse and the sheriff's office right down there ahead.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Jenny]

Right down there where they're stopping all those cars.

[Narrator]

They are stopping cars, aren't they? Hm. Wonder what's up?

[Jenny]

I don't know. Maybe they're testing headlights. Pop's been stopped three times every time he's had to. Headlights fixed.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's what it is. A chicken headlight.

[Jenny]

Hey, that policeman striggling for you to come around. See that big screen with the lines on it? You have to shine your lights on that. That officer is signaling for you to drive up in front of the screen.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I see you.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Good evening. Would you please shine your headlights on that screen ahead?

[Narrator]

Sure thing, officer.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Now will you turn up the high beam?

[Narrator]

Anything wrong with them?

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

One of them is out of alignment. You'll have to get it adjusted.

[Officer]

Well.

[Narrator]

Say, officer, this isn't my car. I borrowed it from a friend of mine this afternoon. Do I have to get that headlight fixed tonight? I'd hate to spoil a good evening fooling around getting a light fixed. Especially when this isn't my car.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

No, no, you won't have to get it fixed tonight.

[Narrator]

Well, what do I do?

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

I'll take this card over to one of the officers at the curb. He'll tell you what to do with it.

[Narrator]

Do I just give it to the man I borrowed this car from then?

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Yeah, yeah, the owner's responsible.

[Officer]

Pardon me.

[Narrator]

Kevin Kirkland.

[Officer]

Well, I think we better check his license number.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

All right. Sergeant. Are you sure this isn't your car you're driving?

[Narrator]

Why, no. No, it isn't. I borrowed it from a fellow this afternoon.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

What's your name?

[Narrator]

Packer. Jim Packer.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

May I see your driver's license?

[Narrator]

Sure. Here it is, right in my. Say, I don't have it after all. I must have left it in my other coat this afternoon. Is something the matter? Office.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Well, who. Who was the man you borrowed the car from?

[Narrator]

Why, it was a man in Crescent City, at the hotel there. I got to talking with him this afternoon. When I mentioned I wanted to come down this way, he told me I could use his car. I didn't think there was anything wrong with it. He seemed like a pretty decent sort of fella. And when he insisted that I use his car, I just went ahead and took it. I hope nothing's wrong. I. I'd hate to get in any sort of a mix up.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Would you mind stepping out of the car while I check the registration slip?

[Narrator]

I certainly. Aren't there anything at all? Say, if you' if you doubt my story at all, you can check it by phoning a hotel there in Crescent City. They'll tell you who I am, all right. And they'll know who the man is that I borrowed the car from.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

I see. Well, I guess we better do that. You come with me. It's on the step over here to the sheriff's office.

[Narrator]

Certainly. You stay right here, Jenny. I'll be back in a minute. Don't worry about anything.

[Jenny]

Okay, Jim.

[Narrator]

All right, baby.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Say, Sergeant, take charge of the light screen while I step over to the sheriff's office with this young man.

[Officer]

Okay, Captain. All right, Peyton, send the next one up. I'll pull this car on over to the curb.

[Narrator]

I can't understand how anything can be the matter, Officer. I'm sure there must be some sort of a misunderstanding.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Well, it'll only take us a second to check on your story.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but I. I don't want to have any trouble here.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Oh, we're not going to have any trouble. I just want to talk things over.

[Narrator]

Hey. Hey, where you going?

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Hey, come back here, you fool.

[Jenny]

Hey, stop.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Stop or I'll have to plug you.

[Narrator]

He's heading through that service station, Captain.

[Officer]

Shall I shoot over his head?

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

No, no, keep running, Nichols. I'll try to stop. He's stopping in the middle of the.

[Officer]

Street, shooting back at us.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

He must be one of the men we're looking for. Pull down on him, Nichols.

[Officer]

He means business. He's willing to work.

[Narrator]

Sexy.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Hill, you and Nichols keep Abstrum on foot. Hey, Dwarren, go out for him in the squad car. I'm going to turn in at General Alain.

[Narrator]

Come on, Hill. This guy must be a church star.

[Officer]

The way he's getting on us. If you get a chance, shoot to stop him. There goes Duan Duaran. I hope he gets that guy before he has a chance to dive into an alley or something. Maybe one of the city patrolmen will.

[Narrator]

See him and stop him on suspicion. Our only chance is to get him in a hurry. Good evening, Officer O'Neal.

[Officer]

How's the police work going tonight? Oh, hello there, George. Everything all right with you all? Things are very nicely, O'Neill.

[Narrator]

Very nicely.

[Officer]

Say, what's that? Must be a fire someplace. No, that isn't a fire siren. That's police car. Sounds like it's coming closer to me. We just opened the next block. Hey, look, here's a guy coming down the alley. There's a highway patrol car chasing him. Hey. Oh, stop the highway patrol. Hey, going into that pool room across the street.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Officer]

That guy won't stop at anything to get away here in the dark. Hey. Hey, what's going on here? Oh, it's you, O'Neal. Hey, where's the guy that just ran through here? He ducked out the back way into the alley. I'll take this door over here. You go out. That one got away. No, he didn't. There he goes down the Alley there. He's ducking into that restaurant. I'll follow him. You circle around the front and try to stop him as he comes through. Okay, but watch yourself till sooner now.

[Narrator]

As you if he gets a chance.

[Officer]

I'll take care of him. All right. Where's that fellow? Just came in here.

[Narrator]

He just go through that door.

[Officer]

What the trouble here? Everyone is she's afraid to run into my place. Hey, you, you're on her, right.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

How'd you come and get me, copper?

[Officer]

Keep back.

[Captain Kirkpatrick]

Keep back.

[Officer]

You'll be loose. That man's dangerous. Keep back there. All right, you, that's where you are. Do I look spray better stop shaking me around. This shape of copper. I'll let you have it. Say, if I get my hands on you. Okay. Here you go, pal. No, he's going out front door.

[Narrator]

Stop.

[Officer]

Cover us. You drop that gun, you. Oh, no, you don't drop that gun. I tell you, a big puddle cat move that gun, you. Better than not. Rubber camera right in the stomach. Oh, no, you don't. Okay, O'Neill, look out, he calls you. Getting away. Oh, that makes you hit, you? No. Could have shot right past my face, though. Burning up from the potter. Well, still too close for comfort. I'll have the boys run you over to the hospital the minute they arrive. Hey, Tony, hold headquarters. Tell them send a squad car down here right away. You better get some in right away. Say, who is this guy we've been chasing anyway? It's Everett Parman, who's wanted for murder over in Roseville. Oh, Parman, eh? Say, aren't there supposed to be a couple of other guys with him? Yeah. Well, is there anything like this bird? We're going to have our hands full now. Here comes one of the cars now. You want me to send for an ambulance? You think you get him that H I for him? I mean for you. Me? Thanks. It'll take a lot more than powder burns to get me in one of those things.