Dragnet: The Big Tomato (EP4664)

Summary

Episode Summary: Dragnet — "The Big Tomato" (EP4664)

Release Date: March 29, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham Radio Detective Podcasts

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Introduction to the Case

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, titled "The Big Tomato," detective sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Officer Ben Romero, delve into a tragic case that exposes a burgeoning narcotics operation targeting high school students. The episode meticulously follows the procedural steps of the Los Angeles Police Department as they unravel the mystery behind the untimely death of 17-year-old Kenneth Morrow.

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The Fatal Accident ([04:17] - [06:03])

The story opens on a warm Thursday morning, April 11, when Kenneth Morrow suffers a severe car accident, resulting in multiple skull fractures and internal injuries. As Officers Friday and Romero arrive at the Central Station's narcotics detail at [05:18], they assess the grim scene:

Officer Ben Romero ([05:35]): "The kid must have been doing at least 70 when he hit that street light. It's a real mess."

The officers swiftly identify the incident as a potential racially motivated robbery, but upon closer inspection, evidence points toward narcotics involvement.

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Uncovering the Drug Connection ([07:00] - [09:34])

Digging deeper, Friday and Romero discover a metal case containing marijuana in Ken's car:

Officer Ben Romero ([07:53]): "We think he was using it."

This revelation shifts the investigation towards drug trafficking. To understand Ken's sudden behavioral changes, the duo interviews his girlfriend, Peggy Kane, at [09:04]. Peggy reveals that Ken's academic performance plummeted three months prior, and he began associating with a questionable crowd.

Peggy Kane ([09:08]): "He started getting in with the wrong crowd. He began to swear. You know, bad talk, things like that."

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Following the Leads ([09:35] - [17:53])

With Peggy's testimony, Friday and Romero identify Bob Lavelle, Ken's friend who worked at the school cafeteria, as a person of interest. During their encounter at the soda fountain, Bob remains evasive:

Officer Ben Romero ([13:08]): "We'd like to talk to you."

Despite Bob's reluctance, his interactions hint at deeper connections within the narcotics network. Under pressure, Bob mentions a man named Ray Jensen, directing the officers' attention to the enigmatic figure known as "the Big Tomato."

Officer Joe Friday ([18:17]): "You can't tap me for all that. I'm not the big guy."

The mention of "the Big Tomato" piques the detectives' interest, symbolizing a high-ranking criminal figure within the drug trade.

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The Elusive "Big Tomato" ([17:54] - [26:07])

Determined to crack the case, Friday and Romero initiate surveillance on Ray Jensen's trailer in a southwest Los Angeles trailer camp. Jensen proves uncooperative, referring to "the Big Tomato" as an elusive leader who operates above the criminal ranks.

Simultaneously, an informant named Willie Breck provides crucial information:

Willie Breck ([20:24]): "The boss is somebody they call the Big Tomato. Funny, Lynette."

Breck connects the detectives to Tony Childs, a supposed associate of the Big Tomato, residing on Hauser Boulevard.

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The Breakthrough ([26:07] - [28:55])

After weeks of surveillance with little progress, a significant lead emerges when Tony Childs is apprehended at a local barber shop. During the arrest, officers discover marijuana labeled "Fancy, solid packed tomatoes," directly linking Tony to the Big Tomato's operation.

Officer Joe Friday ([28:32]): "The labels reading 'Fancy, solid packed tomatoes' confirm connection to the Big Tomato."

This evidence solidifies the connection between Tony Childs and the overarching narcotics network, bringing the detectives closer to dismantling the operation.

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Conclusion of the Case ([28:55] - [29:22])

The investigation culminates in the trial of John A. Stanson, alias "Big Tomato," who, along with his associates, is convicted under the State Narcotic Act. Their sentences ensure the temporary halt of the marijuana trade infiltrating local high schools.

Officer Ben Romero ([29:24]): "Dragnet has been named the best radio program of its type for 1950."

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Key Insights and Notable Quotes

• Persistence in Law Enforcement: The episode highlights the relentless pursuit required in policing, especially when dealing with high-level criminal operations. Despite multiple setbacks, Friday and Romero's unwavering dedication leads to the eventual takedown of the syndicate.

• Community Impact: The narrative sheds light on how narcotics can devastate young lives, as seen in Ken Morrow's tragic end and the broader effect on his peers.

• Notable Quote:

  Officer Ben Romero ([06:02]): "It's still pretty grim."
  Reflecting the seriousness of their duty and the weight of the cases they handle.

• Symbolism of "Big Tomato": The alias represents the hidden yet pervasive nature of drug lords, emphasizing the challenges in identifying and apprehending such elusive figures.

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Final Thoughts

"The Big Tomato" serves as a testament to the intricate and often arduous processes of criminal investigations during the Golden Age of Radio. Through authentic dialogue and realistic portrayals, Dragnet not only entertains but also educates listeners on the complexities of law enforcement and the societal impacts of narcotics.

For those who haven't experienced this classic, the episode offers a window into mid-20th-century policing, underscored by themes of responsibility, community safety, and unwavering commitment to justice.

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Stay Tuned:
Join Adam Graham next week as he continues to unravel another captivating detective saga from the rich archives of old-time radio.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host 1]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. Before we get started, I want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I'd also like to let you know a little bit about Fulton Fish Market. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the freshest, highest quality seafood delivered straight to your kitchen? Look no further than FultonFishMarket.com, a legendary name in seafood trusted for over 200 years. This isn't just a market. It's where expert fishmongers meticulously select seafood that top chefs and home cooks alike rave about. Whether you're craving wild caught salmon, tender scallops or juicy shrimp, Fulton Fish Market guarantees peak fresh freshness with every order. Now here's the best part. You can enjoy 17% off your entire order just by using the exclusive code box 13 at checkout. That's not just a discount, it's the highest one they offer. And yes, when you use my code, I do earn a commission, which helps the podcast. So you're not only getting amazing seafood, but you're supporting the show. So head over to FultonFishMarket.com and taste the difference that 200 years of expertise brings. Trust me, once you try it, you'll never go back to ordinary seafood again. Use Box 13 today and get ready to impress everyone at your table. That's FultonFishMarket.com and use the code Box13. Now from January 25, 1950, here is the baked tomato.

[Officer Joe Friday]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a narcotics detail. A band of dope peddlers launches a full scale operation in your city. Their merchandise, Marijuana.

[Narrator]

Their victims, high school students.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Your job. Get them.

[Narrator]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. Transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Officer Ben Romero]

It was Thursday, April 11. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out on narcotics detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Kearney. My name's Friday. I was on the way back from R and I, and it was 10:25am when I got to Central station. Narcotics detail.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Joe. Hi.

[Officer Ben Romero]

What'd you find out?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Talked to the coroner. He finished posting the body?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Cause of death? Multiple fractures of the skull, internal injury. Boy was 17 years old. You checked the car? Yeah.

[Officer Ben Romero]

The kid must have been doing at least 70 when he hit that street light. It's a real mess. Car was really wound around that pole.

[Officer Joe Friday]

We're gonna have to dig up a fast answer somewhere. Lousy racket.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, there's only one way to burn it out. Find the big man and throw the book at him. Make him an example he'll never forget.

[Officer Joe Friday]

You checked the juvenile bureau?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah. The evidence has been booked with the property clerk. How about the boy's parents?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Mrs. Moore wasn't feeling too well. He drove her home. Father's still down the hall. Inspector Walker's office.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Can we talk to him now?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah, he should be free by now. Let me check the book.

[Officer Ben Romero]

He already did. There's no calls.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Oh, okay.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Let's go. You know, there's only one thing fortunate about this whole thing.

[Officer Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, the kid being alone when he cracked up would have been a slaughter if he had a car full of his friends with him.

[Officer Joe Friday]

It's still pretty grim.

[Officer Ben Romero]

How's the boy's father taking it?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Usual pretty rough. He should be able to help some.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Mr. Morrow? Yes, Sergeant. Inspector asked me to wait here for you. Yes, sir. This is my partner, Sergeant Friday. Mr. Morgel.

[Officer Ben Romero]

How do you, Mr. Friday?

[Officer Joe Friday]

I just don't understand it, Sergeant. I don't understand any of it. My boy Ken wasn't the type to go racing around like that in the car. He never took the car without my permission. I just don't know what got into it. Had you noticed at all whether your boy was acting a little strange last few weeks or so?

[Witness 1]

No.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Of course, I only saw Ken in the morning, a few hours in the evening. I'm at the office all day.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Why do you ask that? Well, was he going out very often on school nights? Keeping odd or unusual hours?

[Officer Joe Friday]

He used to go to the library three or four nights a week to do his schoolwork. Got home about midnight a few times. And I warned him about that. Mm.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Did you have any way of knowing if he was really spending his nights at the library?

[Officer Joe Friday]

No, but I took his word for it. Ken didn't lie to me. What's this have to do with the auto accident, Sergeant? I don't think I understand. The officers investigating the accident, sir. They checked over the car afterward. What was it? Were the brakes bad? What'd they find, Phil?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah. You see this small metal case? We found it in the front seat on the floor of the car.

[Officer Joe Friday]

What's that stuff inside? Did this belong to Ken? Yes, sir.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We think he was using it.

[Officer Joe Friday]

What for?

[Officer Ben Romero]

I don't know. It's marijuana. Men and women who traffic in narcotics. All the way from the small time peddler to the big wholesaler. Rated among the lowest kind of criminal. One step lower, you find an even more vicious kind. Those who lure youngsters into the deadly trap of narcotics. Who feed on the nickels and dimes by supplying their young victims with dope. The death of 17 year old Kenneth Morrow was the second of its kind within eight months. It seemed to stem from unidentified suspects who were making it their business to build a thriving marijuana trade among high school students. Thursday, 11am we continued to question the dead boy's father, Thomas Morrow, but he couldn't tell us anything further that might help. Friday, April 12th. We checked with the principal of the high school which the Morrow boy attended. We talked to the boy's teachers and checked his school record. His marks had been above average till about three months before when they began to fall off for no apparent reason. We got a list of most of the boy's friends from his teachers and we started checking them out. One was a 16 year old blonde girl, Peggy Kane, Supposedly Kenneth Morrow's girlfriend. We found her waiting outside the music room.

[Witness 2]

Yes, Ken and I went around together for a while. He was a real nice boy.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Did you see each other quite a bit, Peggy?

[Witness 2]

Oh, for about five or six months, yes. We got along fine. Just after Christmas was the last time I went out with him and we double dated.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Did he seem all right to you then? I mean, did he act different at all?

[Witness 2]

Well, a little different, yes. Not silly, you know. He just wasn't like he used to be.

[Officer Ben Romero]

How do you mean?

[Witness 2]

Well, he didn't talk the same. Ken was a real nice boy most of the time. I guess he started getting in with the wrong crowd. He began to swear. You know, bad talk, things like that.

[Officer Joe Friday]

When did all this start, Biggie? Do you remember?

[Witness 2]

Just before Christmas, I think. I'm not sure. Poor Kim.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Is there anything else you might have noticed?

[Witness 2]

I don't know. Ken used to be pretty good about his studies. And all of a sudden it seemed he just didn't care. Sometimes he'd come into the library. We used to study there. He'd make a lot of noise, just change, that's all. After a while, we didn't see each other there anymore.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, why was that, Peggy?

[Witness 2]

We just didn't come down. I called his house a couple of times. His folks said he was at the library. I didn't say anything to him.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, did Ken have many friends here at school, do you know that?

[Witness 2]

Not many, no.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I see. Well, those he did have. Who would you say was closer to him?

[Witness 2]

Gee, I don't know, Sergeant. There were half a dozen of them. Ken used to be with all of them.

[Officer Joe Friday]

No one boy in particular?

[Witness 2]

Well, Bob Lavelle, maybe. I saw Ken and Bob's car a few times.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Does Lavelle go to school here?

[Witness 2]

Yes, he's a senior. Ken used to work with Bob down the cafeteria after school. But he got in the mix up. He was fired.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Bob was fired?

[Witness 2]

No, Ken. He was rude to one of the ladies down there who does the cooking. Bob still works there.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Would he be at the cafeteria now, do you know?

[Witness 2]

Yes, I think so. The fountains open till about 3:30.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You think that this Bob Lavelle was about the closest friend that Ken had, huh?

[Witness 2]

I think so. The only one I know, anyway. Have you talked to Ken's folks?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah, we have.

[Witness 2]

I feel so sorry for him. Gee, I think I have to go now, Sergeant. I have a chemistry class.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Just one more question, Peggy. Last time you went out with Ken on this double date, who was the other couple? Do you remember?

[Witness 2]

I don't remember their names. They were some kids I never saw before. Kim knew them. Wasn't much of a date.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Where did you go?

[Witness 2]

We started for the show, but Ken changed his mind. He wanted to go to the beach. And park was acting funny, talking all the time, saying silly things. The other boy was the same way.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Were they drinking?

[Witness 2]

No. I never saw Ken take a drink. I couldn't smell any liquor on his breath. I don't know. It was such a silly thing.

[Officer Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Witness 2]

Well, maybe it's just my imagination. But Ken and this other boy had a real terrible, musty smell about him. I kidded them about it, and they said they'd been to a tea party. That's where they got it. They kept talking silly like that all evening.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I see. Was the musty smell all over the car? Just on the board.

[Witness 2]

All over. Kind of made me sick, but they didn't seem to mind it.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Look, I'd like you to think real careful. Peggy. Have you ever come across that musty smell on anybody around the school here?

[Witness 2]

Yes, I have a couple of times. Makes me sick. What is it?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Who did you notice it on, Peggy?

[Witness 2]

Bob Lavelle.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Ben and I went back to the principal's office and checked the record on Robert Lavelle. He was 18 years old and was scheduled to graduate in June. The registrar told us that there was a good chance that he wouldn't be graduated. Because his marks had been poor for the better part of the year. They dropped even lower during the present semester. Lavelle had played football the year before. And had made third string on the All City team. He was well liked by his teachers. For the last two years, he'd worked part time at the school soda fountain. We went down to interview him.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Nice setup, huh? Yeah. Cafeteria soda fountain wasn't like that in my day.

[Officer Ben Romero]

There must be the boy there behind the counter.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Let's sit down.

[Officer Joe Friday]

How about that, Joe?

[Officer Ben Romero]

What's that?

[Officer Joe Friday]

That sign hanging up there? Idiot. Special. Five scoops of ice cream. Marshmallow, bananas, chocolate, strawberry flavoring. Whipped cream topping, marino cherries, chopped nuts and onion.

[Officer Ben Romero]

No, you're reading over. That's on the hamburger sign there.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah.

[Suspect 1]

You want something?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Chocolate soda. Could you make it with vanilla ice cream, please?

[Suspect 1]

Choc soda with vanilla cream.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Are you Bob Lavelle?

[Suspect 1]

Yeah, that's right.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Police officers, Bob.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We'd like to talk to you.

[Suspect 1]

Oh, well, I'm pretty busy right now. Gotta clean up. We close in a few minutes. I'll make you soda right away. You say chocolate?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We'll make it brief. Did you know Ken Morrow, Bob? A little.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Suspect 1]

He used to work here.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Did you spend much time with him? Outside of school, I mean?

[Suspect 1]

Not much. Went to a couple of shows together.

[Officer Joe Friday]

It's about all.

[Suspect 1]

I'm kind of rushed now.

[Officer Ben Romero]

When was the last time that you saw him? You remember?

[Suspect 1]

A week ago, I guess. Too bad about Ken.

[Officer Ben Romero]

How about the night he was in the accident? Did you see him then?

[Suspect 1]

No, I didn't want him too well. He went around with a different crowd.

[Officer Joe Friday]

He reached me a bag of those cashews, huh, Joe? On the card there.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah, you go.

[Officer Joe Friday]

No, thanks. Want some crisp? No, no, thanks.

[Suspect 1]

The nuts are a dime, Officer.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Right there on the counter, Bob.

[Suspect 1]

Oh, yeah, I gotta get going. As soon as I close, I have to get downtown.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We talked to some of Ken Merle's friends around the school, Bob. They tell us that he used to drive around in your car with you quite a bit.

[Suspect 1]

Just a couple of times around school.

[Officer Joe Friday]

And you hadn't been with him for about a week before the accident?

[Suspect 1]

That's right. Just what I told you. You want a little whipped cream on that?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. Here.

[Suspect 1]

Lil, how about a cherry?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Good, good. How are you?

[Suspect 1]

There you are.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Thank you. Too late to fix a hamburger?

[Suspect 1]

Yeah, I really gotta close up. It's getting a little late, Officers. I'm gonna have to close up right now.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We'll make it fast. Did you notice anything different about the Morrow boy in the last few weeks? Anything peculiar at all?

[Suspect 1]

No, he was same as ever. I didn't notice anything.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Look, Bob, we're gonna lay it out for you. Did you know he was using marijuana?

[Suspect 1]

No, I didn't know anything about it.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Do you have any idea where he might have gotten it?

[Suspect 1]

I wouldn't know that. Look, you mind if I lock up the counter now? I'll come around the other side, girl.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Go ahead.

[Suspect 1]

I didn't know that about Ken, officer. I wouldn't know where he got the stuff. You sure he was using, Mary?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, we found some in his car. We found some more in his locker upstairs.

[Suspect 1]

That's tough. Anything more, Officer?

[Officer Ben Romero]

I gotta hurry well, it's just routine, Bob. We did the same with the other boys we talked to. We'd like to check your locker. You don't mind, do you?

[Suspect 1]

I gotta get out of town. I'm late.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Now, your locker's just upstairs, isn't it? Won't take that long.

[Suspect 1]

It's important to me. I gotta get downtown.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We've got our car outside. We'll drive you down. We'll be down there in no time.

[Suspect 1]

No, I've already got a ride. Can't you check it tomorrow?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Not gonna take a minute, Bob. Now, let's go, huh?

[Suspect 1]

All.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Right.

[Suspect 1]

Say, I happen to remember I didn't bring my locker key today.

[Officer Joe Friday]

That's him.

[Suspect 1]

Yeah. Come to think of it, I don't know where it is. I guess I lost it.

[Officer Ben Romero]

They must have a pass key around here, don't they?

[Suspect 1]

I don't think so.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, we'll ask at the office, huh?

[Suspect 1]

You're putting me in a jam, Officer. That's going to take time. I'm due downtown.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I'm sorry, Bob. We got to check it.

[Suspect 1]

I got my locker all jammed up with stuff. It'll take us an hour.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Office is down there, Joe.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah. All right, let's go.

[Suspect 1]

I don't know why you're picking on me. My locker's jammed. They can't get it open. Why are you picking on me?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Let's ask him. Here. Go ahead, Bob.

[Suspect 1]

Close the door. Yeah, I got my key. I'll show you.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Robert Lavelle took us to his locker and opened it. Hidden inside one of his gym shoes, we found four sticks of medium grade marijuana. We took them, put them in an envelope and sealed it. On the way downtown, the boy told us that he'd been buying this stuff for about six months. And reselling it to some of the students at the high school. Said that he paid 50 cents apiece for the sticks and sold them for 75. He was an occasional user himself. Before we turned him over to the juvenile officers, he told us that a man named Ray Jensen supplied him with a marijuana. Jensen's address was a trailer camp in the southwest part of Los Angeles. We drove out and checked with the operator of the camp. He pointed out Jensen's trailer at the rear of the camp.

[Officer Joe Friday]

That one, Joe. The blue and gray one.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah, this is good right here.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Looks like Jensen's doing well, huh?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. Nice looking trailer. Just a minute. Yeah?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Police officers. All right, open it up.

[Suspect 1]

Get out of here.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Get out.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Watch your joke. All right, hold it, mister. Get out. Get out.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right, Jensen. That's good, Ben. I'll get him.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. All right. Come on, get out. What's the pitch, huh? Where's your warrant? It's all over the floor. Jensen. Marijuana. Who tipped one of those lousy kids, huh? Which one? You guess.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You know enough of them.

[Officer Joe Friday]

You can't tap me for all that. I'm not the big guy.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right, then who is?

[Officer Joe Friday]

I don't know. I'm only one of the mules. Where do you get your stuff? The big guy. The big tomato. That's what they call him. Yeah, Big man. Nobody sees him. I don't even know what he looks like. Neither do you.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You let us worry about that. Come on.

[Officer Joe Friday]

A big tomato. That's what they call him. You won't get him. He's smart. You won't get him in 89 years.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Maybe not, but we'll get him.

[Narrator]

You are listening to Dragnet authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Friday, April 12, 7pm we searched the trailer and a stakeout was placed on it. And then we took Ray Jensen downtown to the main jail where he was booked for suspicion of narcotics, a felony. The next day, Ben and I went back and questioned him with Got nowhere. The only thing he'd tell us was that the leader of the marijuana ring was unknown to him. The Big Tomato. That's all he could tell us. We went back and started rechecking leads furnished us by some of the high school boys who'd purchased narcotics from Robert Lavelle. They all ended nowhere. Meantime, the flow of marijuana into the schools and into the hands of the teenage students continued. We'd no sooner choke off one source of supply when two more would turn up. We knew that there was only one real solution. Find the gang leader and wipe out the entire supply and distribution setup. We stayed on it. Monday, April 22nd. Ben got a call from one of his informants that he had a lead on the source of marijuana on the east side of town. The informant's name was Willie Breck, a groundskeeper at a golf course near one of the city high schools. We drove out to talk to him. We located Breck by the clubhouse near the first tee.

[Officer Joe Friday]

I'm a tee now. R. Corin. Richmond, Virginia. You remember my partner, don't you? Willie Joe Friday.

[Witness 1]

Oh, yeah.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Hi.

[Officer Ben Romero]

How are you, Willie?

[Witness 1]

Kind of busy today. Big tournament.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Quite a crowd you got here. It's a nice turnout.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Witness 1]

You've been having trouble, huh? Ought to marry in town.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. You think you can help us?

[Witness 1]

Maybe I can. Dirty business, huh? Working High school kids with that stuff. It's real dirty.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Any ideas, Willie?

[Witness 1]

Don't know how much of it's true. It's all from the grapevine downtown. The boss is somebody they call the Big Tomato. Funny, Lynette.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Any idea who he is?

[Witness 1]

Couldn't say. He's getting lots of this stuff in, though. Usual feed line over from Mexico.

[Officer Joe Friday]

What else will he hear?

[Witness 1]

There's more on the way. Don't know when, though. All for high school trade. Guess they figure they got a good business.

[Officer Joe Friday]

How'd they gettin junk over, do you know?

[Witness 1]

No, but it's getting here. Almost any kid can get some over on this side of town. Imagine that. Kids in their teens. Weed hits.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. How about this? Big Tomato Tomato, Willie. No word at all.

[Witness 1]

Just one. Pretty thin. Yeah, there's a connection. Lives over on Hauser Boulevard. Got his number here somewhere. Supposed to be the main connection for this tomato guy. Oh, yeah. There's his address. Third number there.

[Officer Joe Friday]

It's a six guy.

[Witness 1]

His name is Tony Childs.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Is he supposed to handle all this stuff?

[Witness 1]

Most what I hear gets it off in the Big Tomato.

[Officer Joe Friday]

That about it?

[Witness 1]

That's it, Tony Charles.

[Officer Joe Friday]

You got the address? Many thanks, Willie. Anything comes up, you'll call, huh?

[Witness 1]

Sure thing.

[Officer Joe Friday]

How's the job out here?

[Witness 1]

Better than yours. I sure wouldn't want it working every day around joy poppers, mules, mainliners.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Somebody's gotta do it, Willie.

[Witness 1]

Yeah, but not for me, Sergeant. Us doofsters are all lice selling junk to kids. Guess you met the lowest hunter.

[Officer Ben Romero]

No, not yet. We're looking for him. We went back to the office and checked the name and address of Tony Childs through R and I. No previous record. A stakeout was placed on his home and at his place of business. Charles himself was placed under 24 hour surveillance. A week passed, nothing happened. Another week, still nothing. There was no let up in the supply of marijuana finding its way into the city and then into the schools. We couldn't see the beginnings of the racket, but we saw the end result. The percentage of juvenile users was still on the upswing. Wednesday, May 8, we heard rumbles of another big marijuana buy in the offing. Either it failed to materialize, or we missed it. Friday, May 10, Ben and I took our turn shadowing the suspect, Tony Childs.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Can you see him from here, Joe?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah, still in the barber shop. There's two guys with him.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. Ten past four. We better check in, huh? Yeah, I'll call in, huh? Drugstore there must have a phone.

[Witness 1]

Yeah.

[Officer Joe Friday]

All Right.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I'll be right back. Narcotics, please. Thank you.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Johnny, it's Joe Friday.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah. Yeah, we got him paid. Okay, right away.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Bye. What have you got?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Tony Childs. They want him picked up right away.

[Officer Joe Friday]

How come?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, they just raided this place. They found 32 ounces of weed in his room. Supposed to have more on him.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Oh. Let's go. Come on. What do you think? Trouble?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Well, don't be surprised.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Charles.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Like to talk to you.

[Officer Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Police officers like to talk to you and your two friends here downtown.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Can't make it, copper. Flying to Vegas tonight. We want to see you downtown first. Luck. Don't push me, huh?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Nobody's pushing you, Child. We want to see you downtown. Now. Come on, let's go.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Look out. Joe wrapped himself.

[Suspect 1]

Watch it.

[Officer Ben Romero]

That's three of them.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Okay, I'll get him. All right, all right.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Come on, you.

[Officer Joe Friday]

I'm glad this doesn't come up often. Where's the barber?

[Officer Ben Romero]

He ran outside. Rough one, huh?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. What's your hunch, Joe? Think one of these three is the Big Tomato? I don't know.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Let's ask him. A search at the barbershop failed to reveal the presence of any narcotics. Tony Childs and his two companions were found to have a dozen sticks of marijuana in their possession. They were treated for cuts and bruises at Georgia street and then booked for suspicion of narcotics, a felony at the main jail. Three other men found at Child's apartment at the time of the raid were also booked. We got nowhere questioning any of them. As usual, we had the small fry. But the ringleader, the Big Tomato, was still in the clear. Still free to hire somebody else to run the marijuana supply line into the high school. Three weeks passed. Together with Captain Kearney and Sergeant Barr, Ben and I rechecked our earlier leads. We ran down anything that even looked like it might be promising. Nothing panned out. Wednesday, June 5, 5:30pm we got a call from the main jail. Tony Childs wanted to talk to us. Ben and I went over to see him.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Charles, I got something for you. Been playing the stooge long enough. If I'm good enough for jail, so's he.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right, what do you got?

[Officer Joe Friday]

It's a big buy coming off. When you get him, tell him how long I've been in here. What kind of a buy, Mary? One of the biggest. It was set up before I got in here. Where's the mate gonna be? Bruno Street. Down with the train yards. I'll draw you a map. Setup's the same car Pulls up and honks a couple of times in an alley down there.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Who's handling the buy?

[Officer Joe Friday]

A big man. Don't waste any time.

[Officer Ben Romero]

When is it?

[Witness 1]

Tonight.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We went back to the office and met with Sergeants Barr and Jacobson. 8pm Ben and I took up our positions on the stakeout along with the rest of the men. We had a clear view of the exact location where the buy was to be made. We waited. 10pm 11pm no one showed. Midnight came and went. 1:30am still no sign. At 18 minutes of 2, we spotted a man carrying a shopping bag emerge from behind a row of freight cars near the end of the rail yard. He made his way across the street to the alley. He stood back in the shadow.

[Officer Joe Friday]

As soon as the car gets in the alley, we pull up and block it, huh?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right. Beck will do the same thing down at the other end.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Headlights coming in the alley. No, no, they're going on through.

[Officer Ben Romero]

What's the time now?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Four minutes to two.

[Officer Ben Romero]

We waited. 18 minutes passed. Still no sign of the car that, according to Childs, was supposed to be there for the big buy. We could still see the figure of a man with a shopping bag huddled in the alley. 3:00am Joan. Yeah.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Car down there in the alley?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's it. You want to start up?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yep.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Just enough to block the alley.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Mm. That's good.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right, come on, let's go. Come on. All right, kill your engine and get.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Out of the car. Joe, look out. They can't go far.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Come on. All right, let's get him out of there.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. There's three of them. Here's the guy with the shopping bag. All right, I got him fresh. Knocked him cold. Yeah, that's one.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Easy there.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah, pull right over there with you.

[Officer Ben Romero]

That's. Get his coat off of that.

[Officer Joe Friday]

I got it. That's it. That's one. All three of them? Yeah. Hey, hey, look at this. Joe found one of them in this guy's hand.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Tin can, huh? Full of marijuana. Did you look at the labels on those cans?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Yeah. Fancy, solid packed tomatoes. There he is.

[Officer Ben Romero]

A big tomato.

[Officer Joe Friday]

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

[Narrator]

On October 3, trial was held in Superior Court Department 89, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. John A. Stanson, alias the Big Tomato, along with his associates in the Narcotic gang, was tried and convicted for violating the State Narcotic Act. He received sentences as prescribed by law and are now serving their terms in the state penitentiary.

[Officer Ben Romero]

The radio editors of the United States.

[Officer Joe Friday]

And Canada have named Dragnet the best.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Radio program of its type for 1950 and Dragnet's Jack Webb the most promising star of tomorrow. In behalf of Dragnet, I'd like to thank the radio editors of the United States and Canada and the editors of Motion Picture Daily who conducted the voting in the 15th annual poll for Fame Magaz.

[Narrator]

You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the Office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Later, here's Spellbound with Joseph Cotton on Screen Directors on NBC.

[Advertiser 1]

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[Podcast Host 1]

Welcome back. This is a memorable episode because all of these titles have the big this and the big that and the title, but there's not actually a reference to the big family. But here we get the Big Tomato. And I love that we got an explanation for why this guy was called the Big Tomato. Also, it's one of those rare dragnets where we get multiple bits of action and even rarer Ben Romero actually got to eat something, so it was a fun time also. All right, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day and I want to go ahead and thank Rosa. Rosa's been one of our Patreon supporters since January 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Rosa. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And please be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet next Tuesday. Of course, we'll be bringing you Charlie Chan, but join us back here on Monday for The Adventures of the Falcon. Where?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Nice and quiet here.

[Narrator]

I got a feeling it won't be for long.

[Officer Joe Friday]

I got the same feeling.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Where'd you get that parcel?

[Officer Joe Friday]

What's it to you? Look, fella, don't get smart. Just lay it down on the floor. Now back up a couple of steps. Oh, that's fine. Now tell me something about yourself. Sure, Julian. What did you call me? Julian.

[Narrator]

Isn't that your name?

[Officer Joe Friday]

How'd you know that?

[Narrator]

I got a great memory for faces.

[Officer Joe Friday]

You were pointed out to me about nine years ago in Detroit when you.

[Narrator]

Were running with the Purple Mob.

[Officer Joe Friday]

And what do they call you?

[Narrator]

Mike Waring?

[Officer Joe Friday]

Where'd you get that claim check?

[Narrator]

I found it in the street.

[Officer Joe Friday]

I asked you something and I answered it. Joan Calvin gave it to you, didn't she? Look, Julian, I think I've been very patient. I don't know what you want.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Get back.

[Officer Joe Friday]

Well, you can't blame a guy for trying. No, in your place, I'd probably do the same. You see, but then, I'm not in your place. And right now I wouldn't change for the world. There's one thing I can't stand. It's a wise cutting.

[Podcast Host 1]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13, greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Advertiser 1]

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