Under Arrest 1948-06-06 (024) The Case of the Accidental Murders

Summary

Episode Summary: "Under Arrest" - The Case of the Accidental Murders

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Under Arrest 1948-06-06 (024) The Case of the Accidental Murders
Release Date: February 20, 2025

---

Introduction

In this thrilling installment of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Under Arrest", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a gripping narrative of crime, justice, and personal vendettas. Set in 1948, the episode unravels the intricate case of accidental murders intertwined with the relentless pursuit of truth by Police Captain Jim Scott.

---

Main Characters

• Captain Jim Scott: The steadfast and principled police captain striving to uphold justice.
• Susan Webb: A determined reporter keen on uncovering the truth, often clashing with Captain Scott.
• Hank Lowry: A dedicated sergeant assisting Captain Scott in the investigation.
• Ernie Ballou: A seasoned criminal involved in hold-ups, whose actions set the plot in motion.
• Al Ballou: Ernie's accomplice, adding complexity to the criminal dynamics.
• Jack Grimes: A young man driven by vengeance after his father's death at the hands of criminals.

---

Plot Overview

The episode opens with a tense gas station hold-up orchestrated by Ernie Ballou and Al, which tragically escalates, resulting in the accidental deaths of Joe Carson, the gas station attendant, and Sergeant Hank Lowry of the police force. As the community reels from the shocking events, Captain Jim Scott takes the helm of the investigation, determined to bring the culprits to justice.

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Key Plot Developments

The Failed Hold-Up

The narrative kicks off with Ernie and Al attempting a routine hold-up at a gas station:

• Ernie Ballou: "All I want is some cigarettes."
  (00:14)

Their plan goes awry when tensions rise, leading to the accidental shooting of Hank Lowry:

• Al Ballou: "Come on, let's get out of here."
  (02:58)
• Ernie Ballou: "Maybe I did. Wait a minute."
  (02:41)

Investigation Commences

Captain Jim Scott collaborates with Sergeant Lowry to trace the culprits, despite media pressure from Susan Webb:

• Captain Jim Scott: "You're sure taking the department over the ropes."
  (04:03)

Their investigation reveals the sophistication of the criminals:

• Captain Jim Scott: "These two guys are smart. Real smart. They must be smart and vicious the way they beat that attendant up."
  (04:46)

Personal Vendettas

Jack Grimes, whose father was killed by the same criminals, expresses his desire for vengeance:

• Jack Grimes: "I hate criminals. I hate all criminals. They killed my dad, didn't they?"
  (17:38)

In a poignant conversation, Captain Scott imparts wisdom on duty over personal revenge:

• Captain Jim Scott: "A policeman's job is a responsible one. You've got to go at it with the right attitude, not full of hate."
  (17:34)

Climactic Confrontation

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown between Captain Scott and Ernie Ballou, resulting in fatal consequences:

• Captain Jim Scott: "I'm not that dumb to come up here without phoning headquarters first."
  (25:25)
• Ernie Ballou: "You think that'll stop me?"
  (26:08)
• Captain Jim Scott: "Sorry, Ernie, but I guess it had to be this way."
  (26:18)

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ernie Ballou on Police Tactics: "Use your eyes. Okay, Al."
  (01:58)

• Captain Scott on Media Relations: "You're sure taking the department over the ropes. All the papers have thought at least you'd lay off."
  (04:03)

• Jack Grimes Expressing Vengeance: "When I'm old enough, I will. And I'll get even for dad, too."
  (15:29)

• Captain Scott's Philosophy on Policing: "A policeman's job is a responsible one. You've got to go at it with the right attitude, not full of hate."
  (17:34)

• Confrontation Tension:
  Captain Jim Scott: "You think that'll stop me?"
  (26:08)
  Ernie Ballou: "You think that'll stop me?"
  (26:08)

---

Themes and Insights

Duty vs. Vengeance: The episode delves deep into the moral complexities faced by law enforcement officers. Captain Jim Scott embodies the principle of duty over personal vendetta, contrasting sharply with Jack Grimes' desire for retribution. This dynamic underscores the ethical dilemmas inherent in policing.

Media Influence: Susan Webb represents the probing nature of the press, challenging the authorities and highlighting the tension between maintaining public image and uncovering the truth.

Consequences of Crime: The accidental murders serve as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences that can arise from criminal activities, emphasizing the fragility of life and the ripple effects of violence within a community.

---

Conclusion

"Under Arrest: The Case of the Accidental Murders" masterfully captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, weaving a tale rich with suspense, moral questioning, and character depth. Through its engaging dialogue and intricate plot, the episode not only entertains but also provokes introspection on themes of justice, revenge, and duty. Captain Jim Scott stands as a beacon of integrity, navigating the murky waters of crime and personal loss with unwavering resolve.

For fans of classic radio dramas, this episode offers a compelling blend of action and narrative depth, ensuring that listeners remain captivated from start to finish.

---

End of Summary.

Transcript

[Joe DeSantis]

Mutual Presents under arrest.

[Ernie Ballou]

Into your cell.

[Joe DeSantis]

Criminals behind bars under arrest. The story of Police Captain Jim Scott's.

[Ernie Ballou]

Fight against CR5 high test.

[Hank Lowry]

Right. You better cut your motor.

[Al]

Forget it.

[Hank Lowry]

I said you're.

[Ernie Ballou]

And he said forget it. Five high test. Now step.

[Hank Lowry]

All right.

[Ernie Ballou]

How does it look?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay.

[Al]

Any? Nobody around.

[Ernie Ballou]

Good out here. The usual.

[Hank Lowry]

Check the gas and oil?

[Ernie Ballou]

No. All I want is some cigarettes.

[Hank Lowry]

Machines inside.

[Ernie Ballou]

Which way?

[Hank Lowry]

Just follow me.

[Ernie Ballou]

Alone?

[Al]

Right with you.

[Hank Lowry]

Machines over there. That'll be a dollar 35 for the gas.

[Ernie Ballou]

Break a 20.

[Hank Lowry]

I think I can take a plant by the door.

[Ernie Ballou]

Al.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah?

[Hank Lowry]

Who won today? You know. No. Myers is batting pretty good this year. I heard he.

[Ernie Ballou]

All right, keep your hands where they are.

[Hank Lowry]

Oh.

[Ernie Ballou]

Now move away from the register. Go on.

[Hank Lowry]

This stick up.

[Ernie Ballou]

Use your eyes. Okay, Al.

[Al]

Okay.

[Ernie Ballou]

Nice hall. Must be over 300 here.

[Hank Lowry]

367.

[Ernie Ballou]

Thanks. Hey, what are you looking at, fella?

[Hank Lowry]

You told me to use my eyes.

[Ernie Ballou]

I didn't tell you to stare.

[Al]

Lay off the money. He didn't do nothing.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Quiet.

[Ernie Ballou]

Still staring, huh?

[Hank Lowry]

Look, you got your money. Now why don't you get out of here?

[Ernie Ballou]

I don't like people staring at me.

[Al]

Come on.

[Ernie Ballou]

Come on.

[Al]

Ernie.

[Ernie Ballou]

Yeah. We got what we came for. So long, fella.

[Hank Lowry]

So long, Ernie, for sake.

[Al]

Come on.

[Ernie Ballou]

All right, all right, I'm coming. The guy was staring at me.

[Al]

You didn't have to do that, Ernie. You might have killed him.

[Ernie Ballou]

Maybe I did. Wait a minute.

[Al]

Hey, what are you doing?

[Ernie Ballou]

Getting cigarettes. That's what I come in here for, wasn't it?

[Al]

You gone crazy? Come on, let's get out of here.

[Ernie Ballou]

Now we got time. Plenty of time. Anybody comes for gas, you take care of Mal. This lousy machine don't work. How do you like that? The guy put me onto a bum machine. I lost 20 cents.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Captain Scott, that reporter, Susan Webb. She's out here, Captain. I'll see you, Mike. Sergeant Lowry getting yet? No, sir. I want to see him as soon as he arrives. Right. Scott. Harry, what about those tire marks? Get anything on it? Yeah, yeah, he's in the hospital. Not so good. All right, when you do, let me know.

[Susan Webb]

Hello, Jim.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Listen, sue, what's all this stuff in the papers? You call that fair reporting?

[Susan Webb]

What did you call me up for? Falling out.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You're sure taking the department over the ropes. All the papers have thought at least you'd lay off.

[Susan Webb]

I've got a job to do.

[Captain Jim Scott]

So have I. If you think it's easy, think again.

[Susan Webb]

I didn't say it was easy. But after all, Jim, There've been four of those gas station hold ups within the past two weeks.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Now, don't you think I'll do my job?

[Al]

You stick to yours and mine's reporting.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You mean smearing. You people smear the department every chance you get.

[Susan Webb]

Oh, Jim.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Now listen, sue, we're doing our best. You can't ask any more than that, can you? Well, I've got my best man on this job. Hank Lowry. Called him in from a fishing trip with his kid. You know Hank. Is he a slacker?

[Susan Webb]

Of course not.

[Captain Jim Scott]

But picking up a couple of heist artists isn't like picking a rose off a bush. You gotta find them first. Takes time. And these two guys are smart. Real smart. They must be smart and vicious the way they beat that attendant up.

[Susan Webb]

How is he?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Not good. They don't know where they live. We'll get him. You can put that in your next story.

[Susan Webb]

Jim, I know you're doing your best. I'm sorry about that column in the paper this morning, but I only write for the boss.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay, Sue. I just couldn't help getting sore.

[Susan Webb]

Forget it. Come here and let me straighten your tie. I know you're working hard, but you don't have to look unkempt. There.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Thanks, honey.

[Hank Lowry]

Want me, Captain?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Come in, Hank.

[Hank Lowry]

Sue, welcome.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Look, Hank, I'm sorry about having to bust up that fishing trip you were on with Jack.

[Hank Lowry]

Oh, forget it.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I know your kid was looking forward to it.

[Hank Lowry]

Jack will understand. Now don't worry, will you?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay. Thanks. Now sit down. They've got to get a new angle on this. Stick up.

[Hank Lowry]

It's a homicide now.

[Susan Webb]

The gas station attendant?

[Hank Lowry]

Yeah?

[Ernie Ballou]

Hospital just phoned in.

[Hank Lowry]

He died a few minutes ago.

[Ernie Ballou]

Who is it?

[Al]

Al.

[Ernie Ballou]

Get the paper.

[Al]

Yeah. Oh, wait a minute.

[Ernie Ballou]

Leave the radio alone.

[Al]

But I. I gotta talk.

[Ernie Ballou]

You can talk with the radio on. That's good music. Don't you ever listen to good music? What's up?

[Al]

He's dead, Auntie.

[Ernie Ballou]

Let me see that rag.

[Al]

I told you not to hit him like that.

[Ernie Ballou]

Try it. Says Harry died in the hospital. Wonder if he talked.

[Al]

Sure he talked. They got a description of the car and everything. Listen, Annie, we gotta get.

[Ernie Ballou]

They said shut up. Want some more of the same?

[Al]

No, no.

[Ernie Ballou]

Let me read this thing in peace, will ya? That punk told him not to stare. What are you staring at?

[Al]

Nothing, Annie, nothing.

[Ernie Ballou]

Say something. What's the matter? You lost your tongue?

[Al]

We better blow this town, Annie.

[Ernie Ballou]

Not yet. We're not finished here yet.

[Al]

We can't pull another job here.

[Ernie Ballou]

We'll talk about it later. Right now I want to get some sleep.

[Al]

Sleep, for Pete's sake. We gotta get.

[Ernie Ballou]

Don't get scared, Al. Whatever you do, don't get scared. That's the fastest way to get the cops on your tail.

[Al]

I. I'm not scared.

[Ernie Ballou]

Up on the couch. Get some rest. Just listen to that music. Real restful.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You question the attendant yourself, Hank?

[Hank Lowry]

His description of the two guys was pretty vague. One big, one short, wiry. That's about all. I was showing him some pictures when he died.

[Captain Jim Scott]

What about the car?

[Hank Lowry]

1940 Chevy, blue. One Defender smashed up.

[Captain Jim Scott]

At least we got that.

[Hank Lowry]

If they try another job with that car, I think we've got him.

[Captain Jim Scott]

How many men have you got at the service stations?

[Hank Lowry]

11 service stations in the district. They've been working. 11 cops working the pumps.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Lucky number.

[Hank Lowry]

I'm number 11. I report for work at the Arrow service Station tonight at 8.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I don't think they'll try again tonight.

[Hank Lowry]

Maybe not. We'll be waiting for them if it takes weeks.

[Captain Jim Scott]

We better nab him before that or I'll be pounding a beat again. The commissioner's hot.

[Hank Lowry]

Don't worry about the commissioner. He always liked you. He knows you're trying.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah, but he's under pressure too. No matter how high you get in this business, there always seems to be somebody higher who wants to tell you.

[Hank Lowry]

How to do your job and any business.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Maybe. But this case is getting old, Hank. They've got a point.

[Hank Lowry]

So if you get kicked downstairs, I'll be right behind you.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Thanks, Hank.

[Hank Lowry]

Well, I better shove off. It's almost 8. If I'm late, the boss will be sore.

[Ernie Ballou]

See you later, Jim.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I may call you out there tonight.

[Hank Lowry]

Right.

[Ernie Ballou]

What's the matter, Al? You scared?

[Al]

It's not that any. I'm not scared, but I don't think it's smart, that's all. We can't try another job tonight.

[Ernie Ballou]

Why not?

[Al]

It's too soon. We gotta lay low for a while.

[Ernie Ballou]

Just what the cops expect us to do. So we won't.

[Al]

Are you crazy?

[Ernie Ballou]

No, smart. See, Al, we got the coppers running now. We want to keep him running, confuse him.

[Al]

Listen, honey, you can't do that.

[Ernie Ballou]

You want out of.

[Captain Jim Scott]

No.

[Al]

Any. No.

[Ernie Ballou]

Anytime you do say so, I'll give you out.

[Al]

Well, I don't want out. Ernie, don't get sore.

[Ernie Ballou]

Okay.

[Al]

But what about the car? They got the car spotted.

[Ernie Ballou]

Oh, we get another one, that Costo.

[Al]

And we can't sell the Chevy because.

[Ernie Ballou]

We left one off the street. That don't cost anything.

[Al]

You know how to Start a car without the key?

[Ernie Ballou]

Sure, it's easy.

[Al]

You got a gas station picked out?

[Ernie Ballou]

Uh huh. Arrow Service Station. Cased it last week. A pushover. Only one man on at night. Arrow Service Station, corner of Grant and Broome. Remember that?

[Hank Lowry]

Our service station.

[Ernie Ballou]

Jim.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Hank. Anything stirring?

[Hank Lowry]

Pretty slow. Three customers so far. Two regulars, one high. Test fixed, one flat.

[Captain Jim Scott]

No sign of the Chevy?

[Hank Lowry]

Nope. Oh, here's. Here's another customer now. Jim, I'll call you back. That's it. That's not a Chevy. Not 1940. It's 48 Buick. Bright red and too classy for a couple of high smugs.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Don't take any chances.

[Hank Lowry]

Call you back in a few minutes.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Right.

[Ernie Ballou]

Help you? Yeah. Think we got a low tire in the back. Will you check it?

[Hank Lowry]

Sure. This one?

[Ernie Ballou]

Yeah, that's it.

[Hank Lowry]

You're all right. You got 30 in here.

[Ernie Ballou]

Now just keep them hands where they are. Wouldn't want to part your hair with a bullet. Keep on the tire. That's it. I'll take care to register.

[Al]

Right.

[Hank Lowry]

I expected you guys in a 1940 Chevy.

[Ernie Ballou]

That was dumb.

[Hank Lowry]

I suppose it was.

[Ernie Ballou]

Don't move those hands. You're a cop, aren't you?

[Hank Lowry]

With a yen from mechanics.

[Ernie Ballou]

Watch those hands.

[Hank Lowry]

You want the valve cap back on, don't you?

[Ernie Ballou]

Okay, but don't do anything dumb. Get away from that valve.

[Hank Lowry]

Try riding a flat, punk. You know, it's kind of bumpy.

[Al]

Eddie. Eddie.

[Ernie Ballou]

What? Are you getting the car? I got to screw this thing in.

[Al]

What you do it for, Andy? Did you have to shoot?

[Ernie Ballou]

Try to unscrew the valve core now. Come on, we got to get out of here.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Hurry up with those pictures, Casey. Snap it up.

[Ernie Ballou]

Jim. Jim.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Over here, Sue.

[Susan Webb]

Oh, Jim. Is it Hank?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yes.

[Susan Webb]

Does Jack know?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Not yet. Johnson. Get a call out on a red Buick 1948. That's all I've got, but we'll try. Should be two guys in it.

[Susan Webb]

How do you know about the car, Jim?

[Captain Jim Scott]

I spoke to Hank on the phone just before it happened. He never expected it tonight, Sue. I guess I didn't expect it either.

[Susan Webb]

What about Jack? Who's going to tell him?

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's up to me.

[Susan Webb]

If you need any help.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Thanks, Sue. I hope he doesn't go bitter.

[Susan Webb]

You sound pretty bitter yourself, Jim.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Hank was my best friend. This whole thing brings back memories.

[Susan Webb]

Your father went like this, didn't he?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah, when I was in college. That's why I didn't stick it out left and joined the force full of hate like Jack. It'll be. That's what we'll have to watch out for Sue. The hate and the bitterness.

[Ernie Ballou]

Watch those corners, Al. What are you trying to do, kill us?

[Al]

I, I'm a little nervous. Any. I, I, I didn't.

[Ernie Ballou]

You're making a nervous wreck out of me. Pull up any place along here.

[Al]

Pull up.

[Ernie Ballou]

But I told you what I said. You see, Al, a bright red car is the wrong one to use for a getaway. You'd stop to think for a minute, you might see that. We'll ditch it. Now pull up.

[Susan Webb]

Hello, Jack.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sit down, fella.

[Jack Grimes]

Did you get those two guys yet?

[Captain Jim Scott]

No, we.

[Jack Grimes]

Why not? What are you waiting for?

[Captain Jim Scott]

We'll get him, Jack.

[Jack Grimes]

And what are you gonna do to them when you get them?

[Captain Jim Scott]

What we usually do. Lock them up, have the district attorney present, the grand jury.

[Jack Grimes]

I know, I know all that. But what are you gonna do to them when you get them down here? Aren't you gonna beat them up?

[Captain Jim Scott]

No. Why should we?

[Jack Grimes]

Because they killed my dad, that's why. Because they killed your best friend?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sure. Sure. But why beat him up? What good would it do?

[Jack Grimes]

Plenty.

[Susan Webb]

Is that what you want to do, Jack?

[Jack Grimes]

That's what they deserve, isn't it?

[Captain Jim Scott]

But the police don't work that way, Jack.

[Jack Grimes]

And when I get on the force and I get hold of two guys.

[Captain Jim Scott]

What do you mean, Jack? When you get on the force, how do you know you'll get on?

[Jack Grimes]

When I'm old enough, I will. And I'll get even for dad, too. You can bet on that.

[Susan Webb]

Jack, do you think it's right to feel that way?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Bitter and I think I know how Jack feels. Sue felt the same way myself once. Jack. Jack, did I ever tell you how my dad was shot down on the street one night, just like Hank? He was on the force, too.

[Jack Grimes]

I didn't know that, Captain.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I was a little older than you, but it didn't make any difference. You know what I said to myself when I heard about my dad, Jack? I said, jim, this is it. This is where you leave school for good. This is where you finally join the force so you can even up the score for dad. Even it up good.

[Susan Webb]

Is that the way you feel, Jack?

[Jack Grimes]

I don't know, Mr. Webb.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sure, that's the way he feels. The only way he could feel and still call himself a man.

[Jack Grimes]

Thanks, Captain Scott.

[Captain Jim Scott]

But do you think it's right, Jack? Do you think I was right to join the force because I wanted to even up to my dad?

[Susan Webb]

Do you?

[Jack Grimes]

I. I don't know.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Oh, come on now. We're alike. You And I, we both got the same rotten break in life. We're in the same boat together. We can talk man to man, right?

[Jack Grimes]

Sure can.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay. So do you think it's right to want to shoot down every cheap crook and grift to every con man and dip in the business just because your dad ran into a murderous slug one night?

[Jack Grimes]

Sure, it's right. Sure it's right. Because you got to even up the score for dad, like you said.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I said I felt that way at first. And later I found out I was all wrong. You see, Jack, that's not a cop's job to even up. The cop's job is to protect the public. To protect life and property and see that everybody gets an even break. Even some criminals.

[Jack Grimes]

I hate criminals. I hate all criminals. They killed my dad, didn't they?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sure, one of them did. 1. But does that give you the right just because you've got a uniform on to run around and shoot every Tom, Dick and Harry you see with his hand in another guy's pocket? Does it?

[Jack Grimes]

I don't know, Captain, I.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sure, you gotta hate some criminals. That's good. But a lot of criminals you've gotta treat differently. For some, crime is a disease. Maybe they were brought up in an unclean neighborhood, or maybe they caught it from one of the other kids on the block. Then there's the guy who steals food from the grocery store because his wife and kid haven't eaten for a week and he wants to protect them. Sure, he's going about it the wrong way, but would you want to shoot him down on the spot and then tell his wife and kid you did it because you thought he was a dangerous criminal? Or would you?

[Jack Grimes]

I guess not.

[Captain Jim Scott]

See what I'm getting at, Jack? A policeman's job is a responsible one. You've got to go at it with the right attitude, not full of hate. Hate's a dangerous thing when we use it too much in the wrong places. Okay, I think you got the picture now. You still want to be a cop?

[Jack Grimes]

Sure, Captain Scott. And I'm going to try to think about it your way.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Good. We'll talk about it more later on. Right now, I've got work to do, Jack.

[Jack Grimes]

So long, Captain. Thanks.

[Susan Webb]

Wait a minute, Jack. I'll walk home with you.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay. I'll wait outside.

[Susan Webb]

Well, mind if I kiss you?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Certainly not. But go easy on the lipstick boys. Kid me about it.

[Ernie Ballou]

So he was a cop. So what do you want me to do, sit down and cry?

[Al]

But a cop killing Ernie. You know what that Means they'll get the whole force on us now.

[Ernie Ballou]

Scared?

[Al]

No, no.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Smart.

[Al]

Smart like you're supposed to be. What are you gonna do, just sit here and wait till they. They come and take you?

[Ernie Ballou]

Why not?

[Al]

I tell you, Ernie, sometimes I think you ain't got.

[Ernie Ballou]

All right, all right. Not that dumb. Start packing, Al.

[Al]

You're talking, honey. Now you're talking smart.

[Ernie Ballou]

Sure. I always told you I was smart, Al. When you got a blow, you got a blow. Let's blow.

[Susan Webb]

So you found the car?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah, parked on Gedney Street. Motor's still running. Doesn't help us much. Stolen? We could only trace it back to the owner. He's all right. Of course.

[Susan Webb]

What about Prince?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Are you kidding? Those boys are smart. Sue wiped it clean before they left it. Dashboard, wheel, door handles, every place they touched it.

[Susan Webb]

Why was the motor still running?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Oh, they lifted it. Without a key.

[Susan Webb]

Well, I guess that's a blind alley. Yeah, or is it?

[Captain Jim Scott]

What do you mean?

[Susan Webb]

How does a guy steal a car without the ignition key?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Hey, that may be it, honey. They have to fool around with the wiring under the hood or the distributor head or something. The engine was still running when they ditched the heap.

[Susan Webb]

Which means there still may be some prints under the hood.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Right. Hello, Harry. Scott, get me Richardson, quick.

[Al]

Hey, Ernie, I can't close this bag.

[Ernie Ballou]

You got too much in it, SAP. What do you need this for? Think it might get cold.

[Al]

Hey, listen, that overcoat cost me 200 bucks.

[Ernie Ballou]

Oh, we're going to Florida. You won't need it. Look, Ernie, I don't argue all the time arguing. Now, hurry up. Let's get out of here. Sometime this week, huh?

[Al]

That music's driving me nuts.

[Ernie Ballou]

Ah, you got no culture. That's what's wrong with you. No culture.

[Susan Webb]

Anything come up on those prints, Jim?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Plenty. All over the distributor head, on the block, on the dash cable. We're checking for the files now.

[Susan Webb]

Only one set.

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's all, Scott. Yeah, go ahead. Ernie Ballou. Okay, Matt, Get a general out for him. Right. Ernie Ballou. Know him from way back. Now all we got to do is to find them. Easy on a soda, Skippy. That's it. Hey, you seen Ernie Balloo around lately? I hear he's off the wagon again. Bank for 14. Peewee Andy Ballou. Used to play a great game. He been in today. Blonde guy. Looks good in that. I hear Ernie Ballou owns a piece of him. Hey, where is Ernie these days? Hello, Mike. Captain Scott. I have located Ernie Balloo. Yeah, I'm going up to take him right now.

[Al]

Well, just about set, Ernie.

[Ernie Ballou]

Okay. Might as well take off.

[Al]

I still say we ought to take that overcoat. It cost me 200.

[Ernie Ballou]

Forget about that lousy coat. All you do is wait.

[Al]

Honey.

[Ernie Ballou]

Open it. Go ahead. I'm ready.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Ernie Ballou here.

[Al]

Well, I. I think.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Hello, Ernie.

[Ernie Ballou]

Come in, Scotty boy.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Thanks.

[Ernie Ballou]

Just keep your hands away from your hip, that's all.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You sure it's loaded, Ernie?

[Ernie Ballou]

Uh huh. Aren't you?

[Al]

Listen, Ernie, don't go into quiet, will you?

[Ernie Ballou]

What do you want, copper?

[Captain Jim Scott]

You, Ernie. The murder of Joe Carson, gas station attendant, and Hank Lowry, sergeant of police. Light enough?

[Ernie Ballou]

You don't want much, do you?

[Captain Jim Scott]

I'm greedy.

[Ernie Ballou]

You alone, Scotty?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Maybe.

[Ernie Ballou]

Move over to the right by the wall. Go on.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sure, honey.

[Ernie Ballou]

Take a look out the window, Al. Well, I guess you're not alone, copper.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I'm not that dumb to come up here without phoning headquarters first.

[Al]

Ernie. The whole block, it's full of cops crying.

[Ernie Ballou]

Quiet. I can hear.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I guess you won't shoot me now, Ernie. You're a dead weight and you know it.

[Ernie Ballou]

Yeah, yeah, but I'm saving you, Scotty. You might come in handy. Making a getaway.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You figure to use me as a shield on the way out?

[Ernie Ballou]

Uh huh. It is gone, Al. Go on.

[Al]

Sure, Ernie, sure.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Watch it, Al. Don't come too close. I'm liable to turn you into a shield.

[Al]

Listen, Ernie.

[Ernie Ballou]

Get his rod, I said. Now move.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay, Let go. Let go.

[Al]

My arm.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Shut up, punk. Okay, Ernie. You shoot me, you got to shoot through Al here.

[Ernie Ballou]

You think that'll stop me?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Cover him. Sorry, Ernie, but I guess it had to be this way.

[Al]

I sighed. I side, Copper. He got my son.

[Captain Jim Scott]

He'll be all right. Take it easy.

[Al]

It hurts, I tell you.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I need a. Don't try, I said. We'll get you fixed up.

[Susan Webb]

Hello.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Wrap it up, honey. It's all over.

[Susan Webb]

You all right, Jim?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah, fine. Baloo's dead. His pal's got a flesh wound.

[Susan Webb]

Jim, are you sure you're all right?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Let us start pounding that typewriter, honey. Whether you realize it or not, this is an exclusive from me to you. I think you're swell. Remember it was the prints on the distributor head that did it. Sue, those crooks made a mistake. They always make one. At least one. Always.

[Joe DeSantis]

Under arrest.

[Ernie Ballou]

Into your town. All prisoners present and accounted for.

[Joe DeSantis]

You've just heard. Under ARREST Presented by Mutual A new series featuring Joe DeSantis as Police Captain Jim Scott. Under Arrest is produced and directed by Wynn Wright. Written by William K. Wells Jr. Original music composed and played by Milton Kay. Susan Webb was played by Margaret Draper. Hank Lowry by Jim Bowles. His son Jack. Jack Grimes Ballou by Mort Lawrence. Zito by Rock Rogers. All names of persons used in Under Arrest are fictitious. Any resemblance to names of actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Russ Dunbar speaking. This is the world's largest network, the Mutual Broadcasting System.