Dragnet: The Big .38 (EP4556)

Summary

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big .38 (EP4556)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: Adam Graham
• Episode: Dragnet: The Big .38 (EP4556)
• Release Date: November 23, 2024

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Adam Graham guides listeners through the gripping narrative of "Dragnet: The Big .38." This classic old-time radio episode, narrated by Jack Webb as Detective Sergeant Joe Friday, delves into a series of armed robberies and a subsequent murder in Los Angeles, showcasing meticulous police work and procedural accuracy.

The Crime

Opening Incident ([02:10]): The story begins on a hot Friday evening in Los Angeles, August 17th, 1950. Detective Sergeant Joe Friday is assigned to a robbery detail when a store clerk, Burt Matthews, is tragically murdered during a holdup. The assailant is described as tall, well-dressed, and escapes in a taxi cab.

Key Quote:

"You're assigned a robbery detail. A store clerk has been murdered. Shot to death in a robbery. The holdup man is described as tall, well dressed. He escapes in a taxi cab. Your job." — Jack Webb as Narrator ([02:12])

Investigation Begins

Interview with Witness ([04:35]): Detective Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, interview Jess Tallman, the sole witness to the crime. Tallman provides a detailed description of the suspect, noting his height, build, nervous demeanor, and the distinctive .38 caliber Colt revolver used in the murder.

Notable Quote:

"It's cold logic that every suspect who's armed in the commission of a robbery is a potential killer." — Joe Friday ([04:35])

Connecting the Dots

Linking Previous Cases ([09:11]): The detectives draw parallels between the current murder and a previous case involving Harry Solomon, a taxi driver killed with the same caliber gun. This connection suggests a possible serial offender using taxis as getaway vehicles.

Suspect Profiling ([10:07]): Analyzing patterns, Friday deduces that the suspect might have a background as a cab driver, given the modus operandi. This insight directs the investigation toward individuals within the taxi company matching the suspect's description.

Identifying the Suspect

Morris Copley Emerges ([15:03]): Through diligent legwork, including checking employment records and conducting stakeouts, the detectives identify Morris Copley, a 21-year-old cab driver fitting the suspect profile. However, initial alibis and lack of records make the case tenuous.

Interrogation of Ralph Tobin ([19:23]): Ralph Tobin, another cab driver, becomes a person of interest. Under pressure, Tobin admits that Copley borrowed his gun for the Solomon job and orchestrated multiple robberies, using various cab drivers as accomplices.

Notable Quote:

"I wouldn't want to give you a bum steer." — Jess Tallman ([04:39])

Climax and Resolution

Confrontation and Arrest ([26:26]): The investigation culminates in a tense standoff at Copley's sister's residence. Detective Friday and his team confront Copley, leading to his arrest. Ballistic tests conclusively match Tobin's revolver to the murders of Solomon and Matthews.

Legal Proceedings ([27:31]): Copley and Tobin are tried and convicted of first-degree murder. Their sentences are handed down, reflecting the severity of their crimes.

Notable Quote:

"The suspect may change his appearance in many ways, but his fingerprints always remain the same." — Joe Friday ([27:10])

Insights and Themes

Community and Law Enforcement: The episode underscores the critical role of community cooperation in solving crimes. Witness testimonies and neighborly vigilance play pivotal roles in bringing the culprits to justice.

Procedural Accuracy: Dragnet is renowned for its realistic portrayal of police procedures. This episode exemplifies thorough investigative techniques, from witness interviews and ballistics analysis to stakeholder collaboration and confrontation strategies.

Moral Reflection: Joe Friday's introspection on survival and guilt humanizes the detective, highlighting the psychological burdens carried by law enforcement officers.

Conclusion

"The Big .38" serves as a quintessential Dragnet episode, blending suspenseful storytelling with authentic police work. Through Detective Friday's unwavering dedication and methodical approach, listeners witness the triumph of law and order over criminal enterprise.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joe Friday on Procedural Integrity ([04:35]):

  "It's cold logic that every suspect who's armed in the commission of a robbery is a potential killer."

• Joe Friday Reflecting on Confrontation ([07:25]):

  "You can't blame me for that, can you?"

• Joe Friday on Identification ([27:10]):

  "The suspect may change his appearance in many ways, but his fingerprints always remain the same."

• Jess Tallman on Suspect Description ([04:39]):

  "I wouldn't want to give you a bum steer."

• Closing Statement on Justice ([27:31]):

  "Morris John Copley and Ralph Edward Tobin were tried and convicted of murder in the first degree, two counts."

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This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the intricacies of police investigations, reinforcing the values of diligence, ethical conduct, and community involvement in the pursuit of justice.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to get into this week's episode of Dragnet. I do want to encourage you, if you enjoy the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, Idaho, 83715. You can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. And we want to go ahead and welcome our latest Patreon supporter. Thank you to Angelina supporting the podcast at the detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. And I also want to thank Steve for upgrading his membership from the Chalmes level to the detective Sergeant level. Again, thank you so much for your support. Well, now it is time from October 5, 1950 for the Big 3:38.

[Jack Webb]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Joe Friday]

You're a detective sergeant.

[Jack Webb]

You're assigned a robbery detail. A store clerk has been murdered. Shot to death in a robbery. The holdup man is described as tall, well dressed. He escapes in a taxi cab. Your job.

[Joe Friday]

Get him.

[Jack Webb]

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, from official police files, from beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Friday, August 17th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of robbery detail. My partner is Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Walker. My name's Friday, it was 8:35pm when we got to the Church of St Damian. The vestibule.

[Jack Webb]

That must be her playing the organ.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I don't see any stairs. I wonder how you get up there to the loft.

[Jack Webb]

Looks like that might be the sexton over there.

[Joe Friday]

Let's ask. Excuse me, sir.

[Jack Webb]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

We're looking for an Ernestine Matthews. Understand she's the organist here at the church.

[Jack Webb]

That's her playing up there now, playing over a few pieces for Sunday. Could you tell us how to get up to the choir, officer? Surely through that door over there. Follow the stairway. Straight up.

[Joe Friday]

Can't miss. Thank you.

[Jack Webb]

Sure has been a long time. Well, what's that climbing stairs to acquire law. Sang a lot in church when I was a kid. Boy soprano.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Jack Webb]

It finally threw me out. Boys change. Yes? Did you want something?

[Joe Friday]

Are you Mrs. Ernestine Matthews?

[Jack Webb]

Yes. Did you come about the new choir books? No, ma'am. Police officers. Can I help you?

[Joe Friday]

It's about your husband, Ms. Matthews.

[Jack Webb]

Bert? What about him? Has Bert done something? He was hurt, ma'am. I don't understand. Bert's working at store. What do you mean he was hurt? I was a holdup. Dear God. My husband. Was he hurt bad?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Jack Webb]

Where is he? I've got to go to him. Is he in pain?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma'am.

[Jack Webb]

What are you trying to say? Dear God, tell me the truth. Which hospital is he in?

[Joe Friday]

They took him to Georgia Street. They helped him all they could.

[Jack Webb]

Not trying to tell him the bird's dead. Not trying to tell me that, are you?

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry, ma'am. In the past 16 days, seven armed robberies had been committed, apparently by the same man. The suspect was described by victims as tall, heavily built and very nervous. He was armed. It's cold logic that every suspect who's armed in the commission of a robbery is a potential killer. It's a fact that's been proved a hundred times over. The man we were after had proven it again. We'd used every means at our disposal to identify him through the stats office, the record bureau, latent fingerprints. Through informants and witnesses, we'd gotten out an APB on him containing his description and his method of operation. We'd maintained stakeouts. We hadn't reached him in time. Early that evening, a downtown grocery store had been held up. One of the clerks, 31 year old Burt Matthews, failed to empty the cash register quickly enough and the bandit shot him three times through the chest. He died all the time, almost instantly. And the holdup man escaped. There was only one witness, another clerk who had been on duty in the store with Matthews at the time of the holdup. His name was Jess Tallman. He was brought to the City hall where we questioned him further.

[Jack Webb]

Did you see Bert's wife? Does she know? Yeah. We dropped off at the church on the way and drove her to her sister's place. Still can't get it through my head. One minute I was talking to Burt, next minute he was dead. It's kind of hard to take, you know.

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to go over that description of the hold up man. You were pretty upset out there at the store. Do you feel up to it now?

[Jack Webb]

Yeah. I'm okay.

[Joe Friday]

All right, now, you just take it easy. Tell us everything you remember and take all the time you need.

[Jack Webb]

Well, I know he was a big guy. Over six foot anyway. I'm sure of that. He had a good build, too. Wasn't skinny. How about his face, Jess? Did you get a good look at it? Yeah, I did. It was thin and he kept working it around, you know, twitching like. I was plenty nervous. Can you tell us anything else about it? He was young, about 21, I'd say. Had dark color eyes. That's about all, I'd swear to sergeant. He had a hat on. I know that.

[Joe Friday]

How about the rest of his clothing?

[Jack Webb]

I wouldn't be sure about it. Could have been a gray coat, blue coat, I don't know. I wouldn't want to give you a bum steer.

[Joe Friday]

Did you get a look at the gun?

[Jack Webb]

I couldn't miss that. It was a big one. It wasn't shiny. It was kind of dark blue color. I could see the guy now walking in the store and pointing it at Bert.

[Joe Friday]

What time was that again, Jess? When the bandits showed up, just about 7:30.

[Jack Webb]

Bert was behind the counter. I was in the back stacking the shelves. A guy just walked in, pointed the gun, said, give me the dough. I heard him say that. Mm. Bert was kind of surprised. He just stood there for a minute and the guy said, hurry up, give me the dough. And Bert said, okay, you can have everything. He reached to get the dough from the cash register. That's when the guy did it. He hit Bert right in the chest.

[Joe Friday]

What happened then?

[Jack Webb]

Burt moaned a little and fell down on the floor. I got Samantha, started running for the guy, but he swung around at me with a gun and said, stay where you are. I didn't want to get killed. I stopped. You can't blame me for that, can you? Did you follow the man when he left? Well, you see, he backed out of the store and when he got to the sidewalk, he jammed the gun in his pocket and ran down the street. I ran out after him, saw him jump in a taxi cab and take off.

[Joe Friday]

Did you get the cab's number?

[Jack Webb]

Well, he was too far away for that. At least halfway down the block. I know. Somebody else must have been driving it, though.

[Joe Friday]

How do you know that?

[Jack Webb]

The cab was already moving when the hold up guy jumped in. He got in the front seat. How do you know it was the front seat and not the back? The way those cab doors open. You know, front doors swing out to the left, back ones swing out to the Right. That ties in. Joe used the same MO on those holdups last week.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. You got anything else to add, Jess? Anything you think we ought to know?

[Jack Webb]

It's about the size of it, Sergeant. You don't think I'm yellow, do you?

[Joe Friday]

Well, how do you mean?

[Jack Webb]

I mean because I stopped when he pointed the gun at me. Guess I should have grabbed him, but that gun looked as big as a cannon. Let's face it, I'm not that much of a hero.

[Joe Friday]

I'll put in with you, Jess. Neither am I. Along with the team of men from Homicide detail, we continued our investigation of the holdup and killing. Ballistics reported that the slugs taken from the body of Burt Matthews had possibly been fired from a.38 caliber Colt revolver. The slugs were in good condition for identification. All the possible suspects picked from the mug books by the victims had been checked out. All of them had been cleared. Fingerprints left by the bandit at the scene of his latest crime were checked out. No make. We tried to check the taxi cab used in the escape. We got nowhere. The morning after the Matthews killing, we got a call from Sheriff's Homicide. We went across the street and checked with Inspector Bowers.

[Jack Webb]

Either one of you remember that case about six months ago, the Harry Solomon killing? Oh, yeah, Inspector, it's pretty vague right now. Your men handled it. A Carney case? Yeah. Let me lay it out for you. It's just possible it might tie in with that killing you fellas had last night.

[Joe Friday]

And what's the angle?

[Jack Webb]

Harry Solomon was a taxicab driver the night of February 26th. Somebody saw him pick up a fair at Sunset in Highland about 10:30pm that's the last time he was seen alive.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I think I remember.

[Jack Webb]

The next morning, we found Solomon's body in a ditch out in the valley. 238slugs in his head. Found his cab a few yards up the road, abandoned. Killer used a.38. Same kind of gun used on last night's job. Here's something else that ties in.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Jack Webb]

A description of the passenger Solomon picked up at Sunset in Highland the night he was murdered. The last ferry ever handled. Mm.

[Joe Friday]

White, male American, over 6ft tall, heavy build. Age 20, 21. Dark eyes. Had a dark suit on and a hat.

[Jack Webb]

Matches up all the way down the line.

[Joe Friday]

You had a robbery motive figured on the Solomon killing, didn't you?

[Jack Webb]

That's right. Except for a five dollar bill hidden in his wallet, Solomon didn't have a penny of his receipts for the night. Might have been another reason behind the Killing? Besides that?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Jack Webb]

It's just barely possible Solomon might have known the hold up man, the guy who killed him.

[Joe Friday]

How do you figure?

[Jack Webb]

Solomon had been a cabbie for 14 years before he was murdered. From this holdup man's M.O. using cabs for a getaway car, it's possible he might have been a cab driver at some time or other. You mean if the killer got in the cab and thought Solomon recognized him, was suspicious of him? That's right. Could have been reason enough for him to kill Solomon. I know there's a lot of coulds and ifs and maybes in it, but I thought you might be interested.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll check it out first thing. How are your men coming on the Solomon case?

[Jack Webb]

Progress is pretty slow. Well, we'll keep you posted on anything new. Fine. If we can help, let me know. Right.

[Joe Friday]

Bye. Two sets of.38 slugs.

[Jack Webb]

What do you think?

[Joe Friday]

Let's ask the crime lab. We put in a request to Russ Camp and ballistics to check the.38 slugs found in taxi driver Solomon's body against those found in the body of grocery clerk Burt Matthews. Then we contacted the special agent at the taxi cab company. We asked him for pictures of all their drivers employed by the company during the past year who were 6ft in height or over. He told us that they'd have a file ready for us the following morning. We drove back to the office and checked in with Russ Camp at the crime lab. He was examining the.38 slugs under the comparison line.

[Jack Webb]

Just a few more minutes, fellas. Have a chair. Yeah. All right. Not much luck so far around. No. Well, that's it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Jack Webb]

No. Make these slugs come from two different guns.

[Joe Friday]

That night, two more armed robberies were committed. One at a liquor store, the other at a cafe. In both cases, the hold up man escaped in a taxi cab. The description of the man who robbed the liquor store matched that of the bandit who shot and killed Burt Matthews. The big switch came when we checked the cafe holdup there. The victims described the suspect as short and fat with dark blonde hair. He had a deep skin scar on his chin. During the robbery, this suspect had become so nervous that he dropped his gun. But he'd succeeded in getting outside and escaping in a taxi cab before it could be apprehended. The gun was taken back to Layton. Fingerprints and checked was clean. Russ Camp checked it through ballistics.

[Jack Webb]

Some days are like this, fellas. What do you mean? That cab driver Solomon was shot with a.38. Yeah. Burt Matthews was shot with a.38. A different one, though. This gun, the band to drop tonight, it's a.38 too.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we know that. What are you getting at?

[Jack Webb]

It doesn't match either case.

[Joe Friday]

The next morning, we started working one of the few leads we had left. We drove down to the taxi cab company and collected the pictures of all the drivers that they employed during the past year who were 6ft in height or over. There were 87 of them. We started checking them out. It's what the working detective calls legwork. It's slow and it's tedious, and you're not sure it's going to amount to anything, even by the time you're finished. Two nights later, the taxicab bandit hit again. His first repeater, a restaurant in South Figueroa. He'd robbed the same place less than three weeks before. Ben and I interviewed the manager, a Mr. Cavallo.

[Jack Webb]

Telling you, Sergeant, I can't take any more of it. Twice in one month. Yes, sir. Could we talk back there in one of the booths? Oh, yeah. Come on.

[Joe Friday]

You got a good look at the man, did you, Mr. Cavallo?

[Jack Webb]

Two feet from him. Memorize his face from the first time. No joke, you know. So I have no time for the customers. I'm too busy opening the cash box for that thief. Sit down. Thanks.

[Joe Friday]

Well, in your positive, it's the same man who robbed you before. There's no question there. None.

[Jack Webb]

I'm positive. And he used the same MO Too? Yeah, sure. MO what's that? Excuse me. How many years? The same approach, the same method of operation. Everything was the same. The man, the gun, the taxi cab, everything.

[Joe Friday]

You didn't get the number of the cab?

[Jack Webb]

I looked for it. I didn't see any. Must cover it up some way.

[Joe Friday]

We've got some pictures here, Mr. Cavallo. I'd like to have you look at them. Just tell us if you recognize any of them.

[Jack Webb]

I won't do any good. I already did that. They showed me pictures of last time. This is a different lot, sir. Oh, all right. Quite a few of them, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Like to have you check each one of them carefully. If you would just take your time.

[Jack Webb]

We can't sit here without coffee.

[Joe Friday]

Natalie. Well, I wouldn't.

[Jack Webb]

Natalie, I don't care for anyone. Yeah, don't be silly. You can't work without eating. Natalie. Yeah? Coffee, three cups. Okay, now, where do I start? Well, these right here, if you just.

[Joe Friday]

Check these over, please.

[Jack Webb]

Uh huh. No, not him. Uh oh, not him either.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, thank you.

[Jack Webb]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, it's Hot.

[Jack Webb]

No, not that one. No. Is that all?

[Joe Friday]

No, I have some more here. Oh.

[Jack Webb]

Hey, that's an ugly looking guy, huh? Look at that scar. They look familiar? No. Better check with the skipper and we're finished here. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

It's been a couple hours, ain't it?

[Jack Webb]

That'll lousy, no good thief, sir. Right here. This one. That's the guy. You sure? I opened my cash box twice for him. I know his face in a million.

[Joe Friday]

Morris Copley. Age 21. Description matches. Let's go, Ben.

[Jack Webb]

Thanks, Mr. Colella. It's only 40 minutes since the robbery's probably not even home yet. What can you do?

[Joe Friday]

We'll wait up. 10:30pm we parked down the street from 527 Dayton Ave. A two story, white stucco apartment house. We checked the names on the mailboxes. Morris Copley's wasn't on any of them. We rang for the manager.

[Jack Webb]

Copley. Morris Copley. No, he doesn't live here. Never heard of him. I wonder if you'd take a look at this, ma'am. Hmm?

[Joe Friday]

This picture. Ma'am, you ever seen this man before?

[Jack Webb]

Let me get over here in the light.

[Adam Graham]

Let me see.

[Jack Webb]

No. No, he doesn't live here.

[Joe Friday]

And you've never seen him before?

[Jack Webb]

No, I didn't say that. I just said he doesn't live here. You have seen him before? I believe I might have, yes. Matter of fact, I'm sure of it. He's a friend of Mr. Tobin's. Apartment five comes to visit Mr. Tobin every now and then.

[Joe Friday]

Is this Mr. Tobin in now, ma'am? We'd like to talk to him.

[Jack Webb]

No, I'm afraid not. He works nice, never comes home for 2am He's a cab driver. You are listening to Dragnet Authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

10:45Pm in the presence of the manager, we made a search of the apartment registered in the name of Ralph Tobin, the man who was supposed to be a friend of the suspect, Morris Copley. We found nothing that would tie either of them up with the robberies and the killings. Before the manager returned to her apartment, we instructed her to say nothing about our being there in case Tobin or Copley returned. We called the office and told them we'd received an identification on Morris Copley. They checked them both through R and I. Neither had any criminal record. They got on an APB on Copley. We waited. Midnight came, nothing happened. 1:00am 1:30. Still no sign of either man. 145.

[Jack Webb]

Somebody's coming around back.

[Joe Friday]

Bill, kitchen door.

[Jack Webb]

Maury, you back Already?

[Joe Friday]

Hold it right there, mister. Police officers.

[Jack Webb]

I'll. Fanny. Who are you? Is this a stick up?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers.

[Jack Webb]

Explain. Joe. What's it all about? What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

You Ralph Tobin?

[Jack Webb]

That's right. This is my apartment.

[Joe Friday]

You know a Morris Copley?

[Jack Webb]

Copley? Yeah, I know him. You're looking for him. He's not here. We know that. Where is he? Wish I knew. I'm looking for him, too. He owes me money.

[Joe Friday]

Copley's a pretty steady visitor here. Is that right?

[Jack Webb]

He was till I lent him that $65. Haven't seen him since he took off. When was that? When? About two weeks ago. Yeah, just about. Look, you mind if I sit down? I'm a little nervous.

[Joe Friday]

Go ahead.

[Jack Webb]

Kind of upsets you, you know.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Jack Webb]

Are you looking for Maury?

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to have you repeat what you said when you came in that door.

[Jack Webb]

What I said? I asked who you were, didn't I?

[Joe Friday]

No, I mean before that.

[Jack Webb]

I don't think I know what you're getting at, Officer.

[Joe Friday]

You said, maury, you're back already. Isn't that what you said?

[Jack Webb]

Yeah, I guess I did. I guess I thought Maury came back to pay me the 65 he borrowed. You didn't make it sound like that, Tobin. I got the idea you were expecting. Expecting him? I haven't seen Maury in two weeks, maybe three. Took me for $65.

[Joe Friday]

All right, that's enough small talk, mister. Now, Copley's in deep. You're gonna match him if we don't get a straight story.

[Jack Webb]

Some cans of beer in the refrigerator. Let's have one around.

[Joe Friday]

Skip the beer. Where's Copley?

[Jack Webb]

I'll swear in the Bible if you want me to. I don't know. Look, if Maury pull anything heavy, I'm not in on it.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, you want to check with the manager? Ask her when's the last time she saw Copley here.

[Jack Webb]

Yeah, right now. Wait a minute, Officers. I want to cooperate. Maury's in deep. That's his fault, not mine. That's right, isn't it? That's right. Now, where is he? I don't know. That's the truth. I'll tell you something else. I wasn't squaring. I saw maury early tonight, 6:00. Came here and borrowed another five from me.

[Joe Friday]

But you don't know where he is now?

[Jack Webb]

No. Say, I'd sure like a can of beer, if you don't mind.

[Joe Friday]

Sit still. I'll get it for you.

[Jack Webb]

You sure you won't have One.

[Joe Friday]

No, not me.

[Jack Webb]

No, thanks. I don't want him.

[Joe Friday]

There you go.

[Jack Webb]

Good cold beer. I like it when I get nervous. It always calms me down.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, Tobin. Yeah?

[Jack Webb]

I'm sorry.

[Joe Friday]

You haven't taken your hat off.

[Jack Webb]

No, I was nervous. I guess I forgot. There. Your hair Always been dark blonde? Since I was a kid, yeah. Why?

[Joe Friday]

How about that scar on your chin? It's a pretty deep one.

[Jack Webb]

Bear? Sure. Good.

[Joe Friday]

I asked you about the scar.

[Jack Webb]

It's kind of embarrassing. I got a little high one night. Fell off a merry goron. Big night. Now I've heard everything.

[Joe Friday]

We had a robbery report a couple nights ago. Tobin, hold up. Man was just about your height and weight.

[Jack Webb]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Dark blonde hair. Had a scar on his chin, too.

[Jack Webb]

Afraid you got a wrong slide, Officer. I worked my cab every night of the week. Wasn't me. Mind if we have a look at your car outside? How'd you know I had a car? We didn't. Let's give it a look, shall we? Why do you want to look at it?

[Joe Friday]

You have anything to hide? Have you?

[Jack Webb]

Of course not. I'm not like Maury. He's always in trouble. Always on the lamb. You probably think it's funny when you check the glove compartment in my car.

[Joe Friday]

Will we?

[Jack Webb]

Yeah, you will. Why is that? Keep a gun in there. You know how many cab drivers get shot? A guy can't be too careful.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of gun do you have, Toby?

[Jack Webb]

Revolver, regular revolver.

[Joe Friday]

What caliber?38.

[Jack Webb]

Why?

[Joe Friday]

2:30Am we searched his car, picked up his.38 caliber revolver. And then we drove Ralph Tobin back to the office where he was detained for questioning. We had a stakeout placed in his apartment. Russ Camp and Ballistics checked Tobin's gun against the slugs which had taken the lives of Harry Solomon and Burt Matthews. Was found beyond the question of a doubt that his gun had been used in the Solomon killing. We confronted Tobin with the evidence. He started talking. He told us that Copley was responsible for the murder of both Solomon and Matthews. That Copley had borrowed his gun for the Solomon job. In all the robberies except one, he described himself only as the accomplice. He drove the getaway taxi cab. The only occasion he tried to handle the actual hold up was at the cafe where he became so nervous that he had dropped his gun before he was booked on suspicion of murder. Tobin told us that Morris Copley still had 238 revolvers in his possession. He insisted he had no idea where Copley was. Ben handled the questioning while a stenographer Took Tobin's statement. I contacted Inspector Bowers and informed him of our progress. 11:00am I got back to the squadron.

[Jack Webb]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Did you check back through that personnel record we got from the cab company?

[Jack Webb]

Yeah, I got half an idea, I think.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Jack Webb]

See here on Copley's application for the job.

[Joe Friday]

Well, sure. We checked out all those references. They don't go anywhere.

[Jack Webb]

No, I mean this right here. Married? Yes. Children? One daughter, age four months. This application's dated May 6th. That means his baby was born in February.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure. Copley was working here then. So it's ten to one the baby was born in a local hospital.

[Jack Webb]

That's what I mean. If we find the right hospital to the doctor, they could lead us to him.

[Joe Friday]

There's the phone book. Let's go. From noon until 4pm we called every hospital, sanitarium, clinic and rest home listed in the book. The answers were the same. No record of confinement for a Mrs. Morris Copley.

[Jack Webb]

Well, it seemed like a good idea. Who are you calling now?

[Joe Friday]

We've got one more. The county hospital. Well, this is Sergeant Friday, Police Department, Robbery Detail. Yes. Like to find out if you have any record of confinement for Mrs. Morris Copley. No, that's Copley. C as in Charlie.

[Jack Webb]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Jack Webb]

Might have sent his wife out of town to have him. Baby? That's possible.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Mm. 1118. Thank you. 1118.

[Jack Webb]

Rochester.

[Joe Friday]

Copley's aunt.

[Jack Webb]

Let's go.

[Joe Friday]

4:30Pm Together with Olson and Thaxter from Homicide Detail, we drove out to 1118 Rochester Ave. In the Crenshaw District. The house was vacant. From a neighbor, we learned that Copley's aunt had moved two weeks before. We got her address from one of her friends in the neighborhood and finally located her at work in a beauty shop on Melrose Avenue. We posed as traffic investigators. The aunt told us she thought we could find her nephew Morris at home. An address on East 13th Street. 6:00pm we located the house and parked the cars a half a block away. As we approached the house on foot, we saw a light burning in one of the windows on the left side of the house. Thaxter and Olson covered the back. At a given signal, they entered the back door. Ben and I went through the front.

[Jack Webb]

It's empty.

[Joe Friday]

Thaxter?

[Jack Webb]

Nothing back here, Joe. Empty.

[Joe Friday]

That's great.

[Jack Webb]

Looks like somebody passed him a tip off just in time. Look at the mess this place is in here.

[Joe Friday]

We got out in a hurry. All right.

[Jack Webb]

Hey, what's going on here? What do you men think you're doing? Police officers. Your Name? Silvera. One of the neighbors. You looking for the Copleys?

[Joe Friday]

When they leave?

[Jack Webb]

20 minutes ago, I guess in an awful hurry. What's the trouble?

[Joe Friday]

You know where they were going?

[Jack Webb]

No, but you might try Mr. Copley's aunt. She lives over in Rochester. They're not there. Well, have you tried his sister's house?

[Joe Friday]

6:45Pm the neighbor, Silvera, directed us to the home of Morris Copley's sister. A small frame cottage on the edge of Beverly Hills. The lights were on the living room, but the shades were drawn. Thaxter and Olson made their way quietly around to the back. Ben and I went up the front steps and rang the bell.

[Jack Webb]

Yes? What do you want? You Miss Copley? Yes, what is it?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers, ma'am. I'm sorry.

[Jack Webb]

Oh, he isn't here. Maury isn't here.

[Joe Friday]

We know he's here.

[Jack Webb]

Living room's empty. Must be in the back. Bill, you can't. He's in the bedroom with the baby. He's got a gun. You can't go in there.

[Joe Friday]

Where's the bedroom?

[Jack Webb]

It's the end of the hall at that door. He was sleeping. I think he's awake now.

[Joe Friday]

The baby close to him.

[Jack Webb]

The same bed. She's propped up on pillows right next to him. He's got that gun with him. Don't go in, please. Where's the bed situated in the room?

[Adam Graham]

It's right inside the door to the left.

[Jack Webb]

Please don't go in. He won't care what happens to the baby. Ben.

[Joe Friday]

I'll open the door. You hit the light switch and cover me.

[Jack Webb]

Watch the baby. You better stay here, Ms. Gopher. Your baby won't get hurt.

[Joe Friday]

Let's go. All right, let's go in with you. Snap the gun, Ben. All right, come on.

[Jack Webb]

I got it, Joe. All right, Copley, get him up. Come on up, Joe. Baby. Just a little frightened, ma'am. She's all right. I kill you, Mary. You tell them where to find us, didn't you? I'll kill you for that. Where is. Swear. I didn't swear. Lousy dame. Nobody else knows. She's the one who told you, isn't she?

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Jack Webb]

And who did? Who told you?

[Joe Friday]

You're looking at her.

[Jack Webb]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Your baby.

[Jack Webb]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. On December 16, trial was held in Superior Court, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. And now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. The working detective knows that there is one mark of identification that never changes a man's fingerprints. The suspect may change his appearance in many ways, but his fingerprints always remain the same. A mark of identity that cannot be changed.

[Jack Webb]

Morris John Copley and Ralph Edward Tobin were tried and convicted of murder in the first degree, two counts. They were both sentenced to be executed in the lethal gas chamber of the State Penitentiary, San Quentin, California. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of.

[Adam Graham]

Chief of Police W.H.

[Jack Webb]

Parker, Los Angeles Police Department. Coming up, we the People tomorrow enjoy the life of Riley on NBC. The holidays mean more travel, more shopping.

[Adam Graham]

More time online and more personal info.

[Jack Webb]

In more places that could expose you more to identity theft.

[Adam Graham]

But LifeLock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, our US.

[Jack Webb]

Based restoration specialists will fix it, guaranteed your money back. Don't face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or financial losses alone. Get more holiday fun and less holiday worry with LifeLock.

[Adam Graham]

Save up to 40% your first year.

[Jack Webb]

With promo code NEWS.

[Adam Graham]

Visit lifelock.com term supply welcome back. I like the line where Friday reassured the surviving clerk who was concerned he should have been braver. I think in particular, men will have this expectation of themselves that they should take some heroic measures when dealing with someone with a gun. And doubtless on top of that general expectation, this guy was probably dealing with what we call survivor's guilt. Friday makes it clear that he wouldn't have tried anything, which is not only reassuring, but also reflects the preference of law enforcement in general on unarmed citizens dealing with dangerous individuals. I think the juxtaposition of the Big Pair in this episode in the schedule is an interesting contrast. In the Big Pair, our sympathetic grandfather and granddaughter were burgled because of no neighbors knowing that they were away or what exactly was going on. In today's episode, a criminal is captured in part because the police had a neighbor who knew all of his business. This forms the idea that neighbors and community are a blessing to the law abiding, but a curse to the criminals. Not sure it was intended, but it struck me that way. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Maggie. Maggie has been one of our Patreon supporters quarter since January 2018, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support Maggie and that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet coming up. Tomorrow we'll have our Sunday encore and it'll be Thanksgiving themed. But then we will resume your regular Great Detectives of Old Time Radio lineup with the Adventures of the Falcon Ware.

[Jack Webb]

Did you ever hear of a character named Lippy Mayo?

[Joe Friday]

You mean you're related to Lippy?

[Jack Webb]

Well, they have my father and mother side. I see. You ever run across him? Well, it's all right, Mike. I can understand why no one would be overly fond of Lippy. Matter of fact, I'm not too crazy about him myself. You know he was shot tonight? Yeah, so I heard.

[Joe Friday]

How is he?

[Jack Webb]

Doc says he'll pull through, but he'll be paralyzed for life. Too bad. You wouldn't happen to know who was responsible? No, I wouldn't. Suppose you could find out for me? I don't think I'd care to, Steve. Suppose I put it on a professional basis as a private detective at your usual fee. I still wouldn't be interested in. First of all, it's a job for the police. And secondly. Well, secondly, I think I got an idea what you have in mind. And you don't approve?

[Joe Friday]

Nope. Not a bit.

[Jack Webb]

Okay, friend. No hard feelings. I suppose there are other ways of finding out. Listen to me. Sorry, Mike, I haven't time. Got a lot of work to do.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] 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.

[Jack Webb]

The holidays mean more travel, more shopping.

[Adam Graham]

More time online and more personal info.

[Jack Webb]

In more places that could expose you more to identity theft.

[Adam Graham]

But LifeLock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, our US.

[Jack Webb]

Based restoration specialists will fix it, guaranteed your money back. Don't face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or financial losses alone. Get more holiday fun and less holiday worry With Lifelock.

[Adam Graham]

Save up to 40% your first year.

[Jack Webb]

With promo code NEWS. Visit lifelock.com term supply.