Dragnet: The Big Fire (EP4994)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Fire (EP4994)
Date: June 11, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, host Adam Graham presents and analyzes a classic 1952 Dragnet radio episode titled "The Big Fire." The episode revolves around a seemingly bizarre case of apartment house arson, mixed with insurance fraud and personal vendetta, following Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner as they unravel the motives of an eccentric landlord. After airing the Dragnet story, Graham offers commentary on the unusual, yet true-to-life, details of the case and shares listener feedback.

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Main Story & Key Discussion Points

The Crime and Investigation

• Initial Complaint ([03:21])

  • Detectives Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs respond to reports that Edward Daniels, owner of an apartment building, threatened tenants with a gun for attempting to move in, despite having signed leases and paid rent.
  • Ms. Cameron, one of the complainants, describes Daniels as "crazy," recounting his contradictory excuses and escalating behavior, culminating in the threat ([04:19]–[08:56]):
    • "If that isn't a crime, I don't know what is." – Ms. Cameron ([04:34])
    • Daniels claimed bogus issues like unfinished work, no utilities, before resorting to threats.

• Daniels’ Interrogation ([09:49])

  • Upon arrest, Daniels is unrepentant, insisting, "I own the building. I can keep people out if I want to," and downplays his threat as mere intimidation ([09:49]–[10:45]).
  • He claims the firearm is for protection and is registered, misunderstanding the law regarding carrying weapons.
  • Daniels repeatedly stonewalls about his motives, despite having signed leases and accepted rent ([10:55]–[11:17]).

• Suspicions and Odd Details

  • Detectives find Daniels' behavior suspiciously irrational and suspect potential undisclosed motives ([12:12]).
  • At the apartment, suspicious odors and large amounts of kerosene and rags are discovered in the attic, raising the possibility of arson ([13:19]–[17:20]).
    • Oliver Randall, Daniels' handyman, nervously claims ignorance but admits Daniels' volatile temper and constant carrying of a gun.

Uncovering the Arson Scheme

• Lead from the Insurance Company ([18:43])

  • Daniels' attorney reveals ongoing disputes with his insurance company over a fire two months prior at a different apartment building he owned.
  • Investigators confirm arson is suspected in the earlier fire, with kerosene found in the debris.

• Stakeout and Catching Randall ([19:28]–[22:31])

  • Detectives place Randall under surveillance and apprehend him in the act of attempting to start a fire at the building under Daniels' orders.
    • "He told me to come back tonight and burn the whole place down." – Oliver Randall ([22:12])
  • Randall confesses Daniels threatened him with the gun and manipulated him due to job dependence and fear ([23:02]–[23:52]).
  • Randall also admits to setting the previous fire at Daniels' instruction, believing nobody would be harmed, as per Daniels' assurances ([23:18]).

• Catching Daniels ([24:04]–[26:09])

  • Randall leads police to a movie theater where Daniels awaits, using attendance as an alibi for the time of the fire.
  • Daniels, confronted, initially denies involvement but is soon implicated by Randall's confession and his own admission.
    • "Simple. Gave me a good excuse. Could have all those things stored in the buildings. Paint, kerosene. Besides, who'd think I'd burn down the building right after I got done redecorating? Not a bad idea. Worked pretty good, didn't it?" – Edward Daniels ([26:41])
  • The motive is revealed: a longstanding grudge against the insurance industry for doubting his honesty after a fire 24 years prior.
    • "I never forgot it. Told them when it happened I wouldn't forget it as long as I lived." – Edward Daniels ([26:14])

Resolution

• Trial Outcome ([27:39])
  • Daniels is convicted of two counts of conspiracy and one count of arson, receiving sentences of up to five years' imprisonment.
  • Randall is found mentally incompetent and is placed in a state hospital for the mentally deficient.
  • The charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Daniels is dismissed.

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Adam Graham’s Commentary

([30:09])

• Graham notes the outlandishness of Daniels' motive, contrasting it humorously with typical radio detective plots:
  • "This is the first time that the Broadway's My Beat episode has a more believable motive. It kind of shows that truth is stranger than fiction."
• He highlights how Daniels’ elaborate redecorating ahead of the arson actually served to disguise his true intent from insurance investigators, while reducing his fraudulent payout:
  • "He's also ensuring that he's getting the least profitable insurance fraud because part of the fraud is paying to have the property repainted and totally done up."
  • "It's not clever when the reason that the police and the insurance company can't catch you is they can't imagine you being that stupid, petty and spiteful."
• Graham stresses the episode’s grounding in real police work, noting that similar behavior would seem implausible in noir fiction but really happened here.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ms. Cameron on Daniels' Threats:
  • "He actually told you he'd shoot you if you tried to move in the apartment, is that right?"
    "In so many words, yes, he did. And threatened the moving men too. … I wasn't gonna take any chances with the baby in my arms." ([07:43])
• Daniels on Carrying the Gun:
  • "Didn't happen to have it. Carry it all the time. It's my business. Isn't it registered down here?" ([10:13])
• Detective Friday’s Explanation:
  • "Having a gun registered is nothing more than keeping a permanent record of it. You can keep the gun in your home or in your office, but it doesn't give you the right to carry it around with you." ([10:29])
• Randall’s Confession and Fear:
  • "He had this gun, you know. Mr. Daniels did. He always had it with him. I was scared of it, I don't mind telling you." ([23:02])
  • "I didn't want to do it. He told me I'd have to. He said he'd hurt me with that gun and he said he'd fire me, too. I didn't want to lose my job." ([23:33])
• Daniels’ Motive:
  • "24 years ago. I was just starting out. Small store back in Ohio, burned down. Real fire. Lousy insurance company that wouldn't believe me... Told them I'd never forget it. Told them I'd make them pay." ([26:19])

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Important Timestamps

• Intro and Case Setup: [03:03]–[04:05]
• Tenant Interview (Ms. Cameron): [04:19]–[09:12]
• Daniels’ Interrogation: [09:49]–[12:12]
• Apartment & Handyman Interview: [13:19]–[17:20]
• Insurance Discovery: [18:43]–[19:28]
• Stakeout and Randall’s Apprehension: [19:28]–[22:31]
• Randall’s Full Confession: [23:02]–[24:04]
• Confronting and Arresting Daniels: [24:04]–[26:09]
• Trial Outcome: [27:39]
• Adam Graham’s Wrap-Up & Listener Feedback: [30:09]–[34:33]

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Listener Feedback and Wrap-Up ([30:09] onward)

• Graham shares YouTube listener comments, primarily positive feedback on previous episodes.
• Acknowledges Patreon supporter Roger.
• Encourages listeners to engage, leave reviews, and follow on social media.

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Summary Tone and Style

• The podcast maintains a mix of reverence for the old-time radio format and a wry, analytical tone. Graham humorously laments the absurd yet factual motive behind the crime, echoing the dry, methodical style of Dragnet itself.

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For Fans and Newcomers:
This episode serves as both a classic Dragnet mystery and an illustration of how real-life motivations can be stranger than fiction. Adam Graham’s insightful and witty commentary makes the episode accessible and engaging for newcomers, while also providing thoughtful nostalgia for long-time radio detective fans.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Narrator/Storyteller]

Foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old. Racio Graham In a moment we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But first I do want to encourage Please follow us using your favorite podcast software and 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, 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715 and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Just go to patreon.greatdetectives.net now from March 13, 1952, here is the big fire

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

this week at Safeway and Albertsons. Red, green or black seedless grapes are $1.99 per pound limit six pounds. Member price with coupon and fresh boneless pork Shoulder Country Style ribs. Value packs are $2.49 per pound member price plus selected sizes and varieties of General Mills cereals or Treat bars, Nature Valley Granola bars, Motts Fruit by the Foot or gushers are $1.99 each member price when you buy three hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save.

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective Sergeant, you're assigned a homicide detail.

[Detective Friday]

You receive a complaint about the owner

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

of an apartment building. He signs leases for the apartments. Then he threatens to kill the tenants

[Detective Friday]

if they move in.

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

Your job, investigate. 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.

[Detective Friday]

It was Wednesday, May 9th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of Homicide detail. My partner's Ed Jacobs. The boss is Captain Lorman. My name's Friday. It was 6:47pm When I got back to the Capitol Avenue Auto court. Cotti's number 11.

[Ms. Cameron]

No. No reason in the world for it. I tried to reason with him. He wouldn't even listen. It's the craziest thing I ever saw.

[Detective Joe]

Yes, ma'.

[Ms. Cameron]

Am.

[Detective Joe]

Now, Joe, did you find the phone all right?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, I checked the office. Lope says they picked up Daniels a few minutes ago. They're bringing him downtown now.

[Ms. Cameron]

They got him, did they? They're gonna put him in jail?

[Detective Friday]

Well, it depends, ma'. Am. It's gonna take a little more investigating first.

[Ms. Cameron]

I don't see what else you need. He threatened us with a gun. Me and Doris Ashby. If that isn't a crime, I don't know what is.

[Detective Joe]

A few more questions we'd like to ask you, ma', am, if you don't mind. Couple of things we'd like to clear up.

[Ms. Cameron]

I told you just how it happened. Doris will tell you the same thing. He's just a crazy old man. If you ask me, he ought to be put away.

[Detective Friday]

Did you ever have any trouble with Mr. Daniels before this afternoon, Ms. Cameron?

[Ms. Cameron]

Excuse me. The baby.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Ms. Cameron]

What is it now, honey? Can't you sleep? You try now, Won't. Your daddy will be home pretty soon. That's a good boy. You try and sleep now.

[Detective Joe]

Ms. Cameron.

[Oliver Randall]

Yes.

[Ms. Cameron]

Oh, you be quiet now. I don't want any trouble from you. You heard me. Be quiet now.

[Detective Joe]

You got your hands full, ma', am, don't I know.

[Ms. Cameron]

At a canary. Four months old, baby trying to keep house in an auto court. I knew it was gonna be like this. I never would have left Paso Robles.

[Detective Friday]

You've only been in town a week or so. Is that right?

[Ms. Cameron]

It's closer to two weeks. Seems more like two months. Trying to get along in a place like this. A room and a bath. No place to cook, rinse out diapers. It's terrible. I told my husband he should come down here alone. Find us a place to live first. Then we could move. No. He had to have it his way.

[Oliver Randall]

Mm.

[Detective Friday]

You say your husband made the first contact with Daniels? He gave him a deposit on this apartment, is that right?

[Ms. Cameron]

Yeah, that's right. The same day he started work at the aircraft plant in the valley. We've been living in Paso Roble since we got married. A month ago. Pete, that's my husband, he got a lead on this aircraft job down here. Him and Ralph came down and signed up for it.

[Detective Joe]

Ralph? Who's that, ma'?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Am?

[Ms. Cameron]

Ralph Ashby. He's Doris husband. Doris Ashby. She's my best girlfriend. We were neighbors up in Paso Roble.

[Oliver Randall]

I see.

[Ms. Cameron]

They're not doing much better than we are. Right now they're staying in another court up the street. Same thing. Room and a bath. Doris is expecting, too. Poor kid. Did you hear me? You be quiet now. You want to wake up the baby?

[Detective Friday]

About the arrangements your husband made with Daniels to lease this apartment, Ms. Cameron, when was all this?

[Ms. Cameron]

Week ago Monday. The day after I moved down here. My husband and Ralph Ashby saw the Randall ad in the paper, and they went over and talked to Daniels. He said, all right. He had an apartment for the Ashby's and one for us. Nice places, too.

[Detective Friday]

I see.

[Ms. Cameron]

Ralph and my husband signed the leases. Gave him the first and last month's rent in advance. It was all decided.

[Detective Joe]

Well, how is it you couldn't move right away, Ms. Cameron?

[Ms. Cameron]

He said he was having the apartment house redecorated. Daniels did? I mean, he told Ralph and my husband the apartments would probably be ready for us on the 8th. That was yesterday, he said the 9th for sure, and that's today.

[Detective Friday]

And you tried to move in this afternoon, and Daniels refused to let you in, Is that it?

[Ms. Cameron]

I had the movers get all our things out of storage and move them out to the apartment. So did my girlfriend, Doris. The movers were just starting to get our furniture out of the van and move it into the apartment when Mr. Daniel showed up. He acted like a crazy man.

[Detective Joe]

Wouldn't he give you any reasons why he couldn't move in?

[Ms. Cameron]

He tried to give us a lot of reasons. None of them made any sense. You can ask Doris. She'll tell you. She was there with me.

[Detective Friday]

But what did Daniel say, just for instance?

[Ms. Cameron]

He said a lot of things. First he told us there was no water in the apartments. It hadn't been turned on yet. He said the gas wasn't turned on either. Well, I knew that was a lie. I was in the apartment late in the morning. Everything was fine. The gas was working, so was the water.

[Detective Friday]

I see.

[Ms. Cameron]

When I caught him in that lie, he got madder than ever. Made some more excuses. Then he started yelling and swearing at me, right there on the sidewalk. Said the apartment just wasn't ready yet. I told him to go climb a tree. We signed the lease, we paid the rent. We were moving in anyway. Told the movers to go ahead, take in the furniture.

[Detective Joe]

What did Daniel say then?

[Ms. Cameron]

Nothing. He just got real purple in the face. And he put his hand in his coat pocket, and he took out a gun, pointed it at me and Doris. And I had the baby in my arms. Imagine that.

[Oliver Randall]

Mm.

[Detective Friday]

He actually told you he'd shoot you if you tried to move in the apartment, is that right?

[Ms. Cameron]

In so many words, yes, he did. And threatened the moving men too. They tried to talk to him. He wouldn't listen. We all tried to talk to him. He didn't make any sense at all. I wasn't gonna take any chances with the baby in my arms. Doris and I got in the car and drove away.

[Detective Friday]

So?

[Ms. Cameron]

So did the movers. They left with us. Can't say I blame them either.

[Detective Joe]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Am.

[Ms. Cameron]

That Daniels must be out of his mind. It's the only thing I can figure. A real nut.

[Detective Friday]

Well, did either you or your husband have any arguments with him at all before this afternoon?

[Ms. Cameron]

No. Everything was fine. This afternoon was the second time I ever spoke to the man.

[Detective Friday]

He had no objections to your having children or pets in the apartment?

[Ms. Cameron]

None at all. That's one of the first things my husband told Daniels when he went to look at the apartment. We had a baby in a canary. Daniels said it was all right with him. He didn't object at all.

[Detective Joe]

I understand there's six apartments in the building, Ms. Cameron.

[Edward Daniels]

That right?

[Ms. Cameron]

Yes, that's right. They're all vacant, as far as I know. Daniels just bought the building a month ago. That's what he told my husband, anyway. He had the place redecorated, and the work was all done. The apartments are just sitting there. That's why I can't understand it. Why won't he let us move in?

[Detective Joe]

Yes, ma'.

[Detective Friday]

Am.

[Ms. Cameron]

We paid our money, signed the lease. If he gave us any kind of a good reason why we shouldn't move in, I could understand it. But to keep us out for no reason at all, to stand out there on the sidewalk and threaten to shoot us if we move in. Me with a baby in my arms. I don't know. He must be crazy.

[Detective Friday]

You say you were in the apartment this morning, Ms. Cameron. Did you notice anything unusual about the place? Anything out of the ordinary?

[Ms. Cameron]

No, nothing.

[Detective Friday]

And you say Daniels couldn't give any reason at all why you shouldn't move in?

[Ms. Cameron]

Just one. It convinced me. Yeah, that gun.

[Detective Friday]

Before we left Mrs. Cameron, we took her crime report and had her sign it. And then we drove back downtown to the squadroom where Jean Bechtel and Lloyd Bond were waiting with the suspect, Edward Daniels. They'd already checked him through R and I. He had no previous criminal record. They gave us a.22 caliber H&R revolver along with six shells which had been found on the suspect at the time of his arrest. The gun had been loaded. Pawn shop records showed that the weapon had been purchased by the suspect and had been registered in his name. We had stenographer Eleanor Eastlack type up the crime report, and Ed and I took Daniels down the hall to the interrogation room. He was a small, thin man, but blue eyes, gray hair.

[Edward Daniels]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I own the building. I can keep people out if I want to.

[Detective Joe]

We saw the lease you signed with the Camerons. The other couple, too. They paid their rent. Why the sudden change of heart?

[Edward Daniels]

I don't think that's any of your business. Matter between me and the tenant.

[Detective Friday]

It's our business when you threaten them with a gun, Daniels. Assault with a deadly weapon, that's a felony.

[Edward Daniels]

Didn't hurt the woman. Just wanted to scare her, that's all. Just a couple of farmers anyway. Never should have given them the lease in the first place. Why was the kid with him and that bird? Chirping all the time?

[Detective Friday]

How'd you happen to have that gun with you this afternoon?

[Edward Daniels]

Didn't happen to have it. Carry it all the time. It's my business. Isn't it registered down here?

[Detective Joe]

Mean you got a permit to carry this gun?

[Edward Daniels]

Don't need a permit. It's registered, isn't it?

[Detective Friday]

Who gave you the id? Because the gun's registered, you can carry it around your pocket.

[Edward Daniels]

Friend of mine. Nothing wrong with it, is there?

[Detective Friday]

Having a gun registered is nothing more than keeping a permanent record of it. You can keep the gun in your home or in your office, but it doesn't give you the right to carry it around with you.

[Edward Daniels]

Oh, why didn't they tell me that when I had it registered?

[Detective Joe]

You were told, Mr. Daniels. You know that.

[Edward Daniels]

Well, I don't remember.

[Detective Joe]

Doesn't make much difference if you remember or not. Nobody has a permit to threaten people with a gun.

[Edward Daniels]

Told you it wasn't gonna hurt her. She just kept arguing with me. I'm a sick man, you know. Thought she was gonna hit me.

[Detective Friday]

You mean while she was holding that baby in her arms? Now, come off it, Daniels. What's this thing all about?

[Edward Daniels]

Told you before. I think that's my business.

[Detective Friday]

You signed a year's lease with the Camerons. You accepted the first and last month's rent. You took their money. You advised them they could move in this afternoon. When they try to move in, you meet them at the front door and threaten them with a gun. Now, what's it all about? None of this makes any sense.

[Edward Daniels]

Changed my mind. I'm not ready to rent them out yet.

[Detective Joe]

Well, then why'd you sign that lease with the Camerons? How about it, Mr. Daniels? If there's something in that building you're trying to cover up, you might as well tell us. A couple of men out there now checking it.

[Edward Daniels]

You can go ahead and check. I don't care. They won't find anything. Got nothing to hide.

[Detective Friday]

How long you lived here, Daniels?

[Edward Daniels]

18, 20 years. Why?

[Detective Friday]

Where'd you live before you came here?

[Edward Daniels]

Ohio. Cleveland, Ohio.

[Detective Friday]

You ever been arrested?

[Edward Daniels]

Yeah, a couple of traffic tickets. Cops said I went through a stop signal. I wasn't guilty, though. What's the point anyway? What are you trying to get at? Trying to force me to let those people in that apartment?

[Detective Joe]

I'm not trying to force you into anything, Daniels. Business about the lease is a civil matter. That's between you and the Camerons.

[Edward Daniels]

Then what are you holding me here for?

[Detective Friday]

We told you. You threatened that woman with a gun. She signed an ADW report.

[Edward Daniels]

What do you mean, adw?

[Detective Friday]

Assault with a deadly weapon. That's a pretty serious charge.

[Edward Daniels]

Daniels didn't hurt the woman. Didn't even touch her.

[Detective Joe]

Pointed the gun at her, didn't you?

[Edward Daniels]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe]

Gun was loaded, wasn't it?

[Edward Daniels]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe]

Capable of being fired?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah.

[Edward Daniels]

But I wasn't going to shoot her. I told you. Just wanted to scare her off, get her out of there. It's the truth. I wasn't going to shoot her. What do I have to do to convince you?

[Detective Friday]

You don't have to convince us.

[Edward Daniels]

What do you mean? Who do I have to convince?

[Detective Friday]

You got your choice. A judge or a jury. Ed and I took the suspect, Edward Daniels, down to the main jail, where we booked him in on suspicion of 467pc ADW before he was locked up, Daniels asked us if we would take the keys to his car and the keys to his apartment house to an Oliver Randall, an employee of his who acted as a janitor and general handyman at two other apartment houses Daniels owned. We told him we would. After we left the main jail, we checked with the office and then we drove out to the location of the apartment house to interview the neighbors and deliver the keys to Daniel's handyman, Oliver Randall. Other than telling us that they considered Mr. Daniels a little eccentric, the neighbors were unable to give us any additional information that might help us in the prosecution. After we finished talking to the neighbors, we went across the street to the apartment house. There were lights burning in the upper rear apartment. We tried the bell, but there was no answer from the set of keys Daniels had given us. We found the one that fit the door and let ourselves in. We heard somebody moving around on the floor above us. We went up and found a man there who identified himself as Oliver Randall. He appeared nervous and upset. There were papers and rags scattered over the floor of the room.

[Oliver Randall]

Oh, yeah, I was just cleaning up here. Mr. Daniels told me to be sure and clean this up. Papers and jam.

[Detective Joe]

I see. Well, here's some keys for you, Randall. Daniels asked to get them to you.

[Oliver Randall]

Oh, yeah. Pipeline house keys. Mr. Daniels was supposed to meet me here. He said eight o'. Clock. I think that's what he said. I wonder where he is. You know where he is?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. He's in jail.

[Oliver Randall]

Oh. What's he doing in jail? Did he do something wrong?

[Detective Friday]

He's had a complaint file against him. Assault with a deadly weapon.

[Oliver Randall]

What happened? He got mad at somebody. Mr. Daniels got an awful bad temper. When he gets mad at somebody, he doesn't forget it. I know. I worked for him.

[Detective Joe]

How long have you worked for him, Randall?

[Oliver Randall]

I don't know. A long time. Maybe five years. I forget.

[Detective Friday]

You say Daniels has a bad temper. Have you ever known him to be violent, Randall?

[Oliver Randall]

How's that?

[Detective Friday]

Well, have you ever known him to be violent? I mean, have you ever known him to hurt anyone?

[Oliver Randall]

I don't know. I don't remember. A lot of times he says he's gonna do things. I work for him, you know. A lot of times he gets mad at me. Says I don't work fast enough or I don't do the right things. He always carries his gun, you know. Once he said he was gonna shoot me. I was pretty scared.

[Detective Joe]

You live with Mr. Daniels, do you?

[Oliver Randall]

No, I have a room Downstairs in another apartment house. He owns a place over on South Hoover. It's a nice room. It's got a window in it.

[Detective Joe]

You're on a regular salary?

[Detective Friday]

Is that the way you work?

[Edward Daniels]

Yeah.

[Oliver Randall]

$15 a week. I get the room free, too. It's not bad.

[Detective Friday]

You ever been arrested, Randall?

[Oliver Randall]

Me? No, I've never been arrested.

[Detective Friday]

You ever been in the state hospital, any kind of an institution?

[Oliver Randall]

No. I was up at Camarillo for a couple of years. I didn't like it too much. I came down here to live with my sister. She's dead now. She died about four years ago. She's the one that got me this job, you know, that's how. Oh, yeah. This isn't a bad job at all. Jobs are pretty hard to get now. That's what Mr. Daniels says. Real tough to get a good job now. That's why I do what I'm told. I better get on fixing up this place.

[Detective Friday]

How'd all these rags and papers get here, Randall? The painters leave them behind? I don't know.

[Oliver Randall]

I guess so. I guess somebody left them here.

[Detective Friday]

We understood the apartments were already cleaned up. They were ready to move into.

[Oliver Randall]

What's that?

[Detective Friday]

I say we understood the apartments were all fixed up. That they were ready for the tenants to move right into.

[Oliver Randall]

Oh, I don't know. I wouldn't know about that. Mr. Daniels takes care of renting the places. I just help him. I do what he tells me, Joe.

[Detective Joe]

Neil, you notice that smell seems to be stronger out in the hall?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, I think I do. How long has it been since the painters were working here? Randall, do you know that painters?

[Oliver Randall]

I don't know. A couple days, I guess. What's the matter?

[Detective Friday]

That's a pretty strong smell. Might be paint thinner or something like that. Don't you notice it?

[Oliver Randall]

Oh, yeah. I've been wondering about that. I noticed that when I came in. It might be from upstairs. The attic. Painters were working up there, too, I think.

[Detective Joe]

Don't you think you ought to check it, see what it is?

[Oliver Randall]

Mr. Daniels didn't tell me to. I guess they're better, though. Smells pretty strong. I guess I better see what it is.

[Detective Friday]

How do you get to the attic from here?

[Oliver Randall]

Down the end of the hall. There's a stairway there. It goes right up in the attic. I'll show you.

[Detective Friday]

All right, fine.

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah, Smells like gasoline or something.

[Detective Joe]

All the apartments are vacant.

[Oliver Randall]

That right?

[Detective Joe]

No one living in the building at all?

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah, that's right. We go up the stairs here. Mr. Daniels had the whole place worked over Nobody here at all right now. I guess he'll be moving in pretty soon. Gonna be a lot of work. Got the other two apartment houses take care of. And there's gonna be this place. It's gonna be a lot of work.

[Detective Friday]

Daniels hire anyone else besides yourself to help out with the work, I mean.

[Oliver Randall]

No, I don't think so. Just me. I keep pretty busy. Here's the attic.

[Detective Joe]

This must be where it's coming from.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. It's strong enough to knock you over, isn't it?

[Oliver Randall]

Light switch is over here. Just a mess.

[Detective Joe]

Sure, mess. Papers, boxes, pile of old rags.

[Detective Friday]

That five gallon can there on the floor.

[Detective Joe]

Kerosene, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. It's just about empty, too.

[Oliver Randall]

It's all spilled all over the floor. Mr. Daniels ain't gonna like that. He's gonna get mad.

[Detective Friday]

Usually keep this stuff up here, do you, Randall?

[Oliver Randall]

No, I guess it was with the painter's stuff. Those cans and things on the table there. I guess it got knocked off and spilled. Spilled all over the place, didn't it?

[Detective Joe]

Well, how come the painting crew didn't take their stuff with them when they left all this equipment here? They're all finished with the job, aren't they?

[Oliver Randall]

I guess so. You'd have to ask Mr. Daniels about that. They're all finished on the inside. I know that. They have the outside to do, though. Maybe that's why they left their stuff.

[Detective Friday]

Well, it's not a very safe way to leave it. Rags, papers. Look here. Kerosene spilled all over. You better get this place cleaned up first, don't you think, Randall?

[Oliver Randall]

I don't know. I sure wish Mr. Daniels was here. You won't let him know, will you?

[Detective Friday]

What do you mean? Let him know what?

[Oliver Randall]

Don't tell him. I'll let you see the attic, huh?

[Detective Friday]

9:35pm Ed and I left the handyman, Oliver Randall, at his apartment house, went outside and got in the car. Neither one of us could find any explanation for it, but we both had a hunch there was something wrong with the setup. We drove to a neighborhood service station, called the office and told them we were going to stake the apartment house. We drove back and found a place to park where we could keep the building under surveillance without being seen. We waited. 10:00pm 10:30, 11:00'. Clock. At a few minutes past 11, we saw Randall come out of the front door of the apartment in, get in a blue sedan and drive off. We followed him to an apartment building on West Pico and saw him enter a rear door. We waited. At 12:15am Ed got to a phone, called Captain Bernard at the business office and notified him of our location. At 12:45am two men arrived to relieve us and we briefed him on the facts. We drove back to the office, made out of 15.7 to Captain Lorman and signed out. At 4 o' clock the next afternoon, we reported back in for work. We checked the book and found a message that the suspect, Edward Daniels, had been released from jail that morning on a writ. Bail $2,500. The writ was returnable Thursday, May 10. There was also a message in the book for us to contact Daniels attorney, Richard Tiernan. Ed put in the call.

[Detective Joe]

Yes, sir.

[Oliver Randall]

Uh huh.

[Detective Joe]

I see. What's that? Yeah, Yeah, I know.

[Detective Friday]

All right.

[Detective Joe]

Mr. Tiernan.

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Detective Joe]

Goodbye.

[Oliver Randall]

You were right, Joe.

[Detective Friday]

What do you mean?

[Detective Joe]

Daniel's lawyer wanted to know how serious the charges are. He says Daniels is pretty upset. Seems he had some trouble lately. His insurance company.

[Detective Friday]

What's the matter? Did he have an accident?

[Detective Joe]

Insurance company doesn't seem to think it was an accident. Happened two months ago at an apartment house over on South Union.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe]

Burned down.

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

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

[Detective Friday]

Thursday, May 10, 4:30pm we contacted the fire department's arson squad to find out if the fire at Daniel's apartment house on South Union Avenue two months before was under investigation. After checking back, they told us investigators from the arson squad had found a large amount of kerosene to be present in some of the burned timbers found in the debris after the fire was put out. They said that Mr. Daniels had admitted after the fire that the apartment building had been recently redecorated and and that kerosene paint and other inflammables had been stored in the attic of the building. Ed and I contacted the insurance adjuster handling the case as Snyder Peebles. And he told us there wasn't any doubt in his mind that the fire at Daniels apartment house two months before was of incendiary origin. But he said so far the investigators were unable to prove it. The one thing that seemed to puzzle him was if Daniels planned on burning down the building, why did he go to the trouble and expense of redecorating first? Well, as soon as it was dark, Ed and I drove out, relieved the men on stakeout at the apartment house on West Pico where the handyman, Oliver Randall had his room. They reported no unusual activity during the day. 7:32pm Randall came out of the apartment house, got in a car and drove off. We followed him.

[Detective Joe]

If we got this Randall made, right? It shouldn't be too long before we find out Daniels is using them to work something out. Pretty sure we can count on that.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, maybe I'll watch it. Ed, he's turning down Union. Yeah, he's pulling up ahead. Don't cry at him.

[Detective Joe]

There's a good spot here. Shouldn't be able to see us.

[Detective Friday]

All right, pull up in here. All right, that's fine. He's getting out of the car. He's going over the house, down the

[Detective Joe]

driveway, going around back. He's out of sight now.

[Detective Friday]

Let's go.

[Detective Joe]

Still no lights in the place. Oh, yeah. There they go in the basement.

[Detective Friday]

All right, easy. Let's take it easy. Yeah, I think I can see the back door from here.

[Edward Daniels]

I.

[Detective Friday]

Come on, easy now.

[Detective Joe]

What is it?

[Detective Friday]

All right, easy with this door, Ed. Don't let it bang.

[Detective Joe]

Why now?

[Detective Friday]

Sounds like somebody upstairs, doesn't it? All right, come on. Watch your step. Come on. Next floor up. Yeah. Yeah, it's up in the attic.

[Detective Joe]

Come on.

[Detective Friday]

All right, come on through this door. Back in the corner, Ed. I see him.

[Detective Joe]

All right, hold it, you.

[Oliver Randall]

What's the matter?

[Detective Friday]

There's a fire right over in the corner. I'll get it. Hold on to him.

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

Right.

[Oliver Randall]

Well, don't put it out.

[Detective Joe]

You need any help, Joe? You getting it all right, I'm getting it. All right.

[Detective Friday]

Just a minute. There. I got it.

[Detective Joe]

Okay. You want to get the lights?

[Detective Friday]

I got them. All right, Randall, what's the story?

[Oliver Randall]

He told me to do it. He told me to come back tonight and burn the whole place down.

[Detective Joe]

Who told you?

[Oliver Randall]

He said, ollie, you go back to the place, to the attic, light a match, that's all, and then get out. Mr. Daniels. That's just what he said.

[Detective Friday]

Daniels told you to do this?

[Oliver Randall]

He told me just light a fire and nobody'd know. He said there wasn't gonna be any trouble. No trouble at all.

[Detective Friday]

That gives you the edge, doesn't it?

[Oliver Randall]

No trouble, he said.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, well, next time you see him, you can call him a liar. 8:50pm after making sure that the place was secure and that there was no danger of fire from the recent arson attempt, Ed and I took the suspect, Oliver Randall, outside and put him in the car, where we questioned him. He made no attempt to disguise the fact that he had been directed by his regular employer, Edward Daniels, to commit arson by setting fire to the attic of the apartment house. In addition, he told us that Daniels had threatened him with bodily harm if he refused to obey the order and set fire to the building.

[Oliver Randall]

He had this gun, you know. Mr. Daniels did. He always had it with him. I was scared of it, I don't mind telling you.

[Detective Friday]

Uh huh.

[Detective Joe]

Well, he threatened to kill you if you didn't do what he wanted, that is.

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah, I guess so. He used to get mad a lot of the time. And he had this gun. He always had the gun. He'd get mad at me and tell me he was gonna shoot me. I'm afraid of guns.

[Detective Friday]

How about the fire at the other apartment house, Ollie? The one over on South Union Avenue?

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah, that was a big fire.

[Detective Friday]

Did you start that one?

[Oliver Randall]

Daniels told me there was nobody living there. He said nobody'd get hurt. Nobody did get hurt, did they?

[Detective Joe]

Do you start the fire?

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Detective Joe]

I guess I did Mr. Daniels tell you to do it?

[Oliver Randall]

He said it was his building. He owned it. He could do anything with it he wanted to. I didn't want to do it. He told me I'd have to. He said he'd hurt me with that gun and he said he'd fire me, too. I didn't want to lose my job.

[Detective Friday]

You knew you were doing wrong, didn't you, Ollie?

[Oliver Randall]

Well, I guess I did, yeah. What could I do, though? I didn't want to lose my job. Good jobs aren't too easy to get nowadays, you know that.

[Detective Friday]

Where's Mr. Daniels now? Do you know?

[Oliver Randall]

You're not gonna tell him what I told you, are you? He said not to say anything about it. He said nobody believed me anyway. Nobody said he'd tell everybody I was a liar. Said they'd believe him before they'd believe me.

[Detective Joe]

Well, where's Daniels now?

[Oliver Randall]

If I tell you, you won't let him hurt me, will you?

[Detective Joe]

No, we won't let him hurt you. You're gonna have to help us out, though.

[Oliver Randall]

What do you want me to do?

[Detective Friday]

Like to find out where Daniels is first.

[Oliver Randall]

He's in a movie over on Pico by his house. He's waiting for me.

[Detective Friday]

You mean he's waiting for you in the show.

[Oliver Randall]

See in the center section, 10 rows from the back? He's waiting for me now.

[Detective Joe]

Well, how's it you're supposed to meet him there?

[Oliver Randall]

I don't know. He said if anybody wanted to know where we were tonight, this would prove we didn't start the fire. We were at the show. I was supposed to start the fire and then go to the show and meet him. Ten rows from the back, the center section.

[Detective Friday]

You want to show us where this movie is, ollie?

[Oliver Randall]

Yeah. Okay, Mr. Daniels won't tell you anything. No. He's going to be mad. He won't tell you anything.

[Detective Friday]

Well, that's where we need your help, Ollie.

[Oliver Randall]

What do you mean?

[Detective Friday]

We'll let him tell you. 9:44pm Ed and I, along with the suspect, Oliver Randall, drove to the movie house on West Pico. On the way, we explained to Randall what he was supposed to do. 9:55pm we parked our car half a block from the movie house, bought three tickets and went inside. The feature picture was still on. There wasn't much of a crowd. We sent Randall down the aisle ahead of us and watched him move into the 10th row and sit down next to somebody. Ed and I followed him down and found seats in the road directly behind him. We recognized the man sitting next to Randall as Edward Daniels.

[Oliver Randall]

Hello, Mr. Daniels. I did it just the way you told me, up in the attic. It was okay.

[Edward Daniels]

Nobody saw you. You didn't have any trouble talk?

[Oliver Randall]

No, it was okay. I don't feel so good about it, though.

[Edward Daniels]

What do you mean? What are you talking about?

[Oliver Randall]

I don't know. Maybe somebody might find out. Don't you think we'd get in trouble if they found out?

[Edward Daniels]

You just keep your mouth shut. I'll attend to that. Nobody's gonna find out.

[Oliver Randall]

All right?

[Detective Friday]

Daniels, you mind coming outside? We'd like to talk to you.

[Edward Daniels]

What? What are you doing here?

[Detective Joe]

Come on, we'll talk outside.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

On the planet Mars.

[Ms. Cameron]

We're.

[Edward Daniels]

What's this all about?

[Detective Friday]

We'll let you tell us.

[Edward Daniels]

All right. What do you want? You arresting me?

[Detective Friday]

That's right, mister.

[Edward Daniels]

Why? What's it supposed to be this time?

[Detective Joe]

Think you know? Arson, conspiracy. Caught Randall here. Caught him right in the act. He told us the whole story.

[Edward Daniels]

What, Ollie? What story? What is this?

[Oliver Randall]

I told you I didn't want to do it, Mr. Daniels. I told you we'd get in trouble.

[Edward Daniels]

Fool. Stupid fool. Should have known better.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, you should have.

[Detective Joe]

Just two questions for you, Daniels. Why'd you burn down your own property? Why'd you redecorate the buildings?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

First?

[Edward Daniels]

I never forgot it. Told him when it happened I wouldn't forget it as long as I lived.

[Detective Friday]

What do you mean? Forget what?

[Edward Daniels]

24 years ago. I was just starting out. Small store back in Ohio, burned down. Real fire. Lousy insurance company that wouldn't believe me. Had to sue, lost the whole thing. Had to start all over again. Told them I'd never forget it. Told them I'd make them pay.

[Detective Joe]

And you've been nursing this grudge for 24 years?

[Edward Daniels]

Why not? Why shouldn't I? I lost everything. Everything I had.

[Detective Friday]

Well, why'd you redecorate the apartment houses if you plan to burn them down?

[Edward Daniels]

Simple. Gave me a good excuse. Could have all those things stored in the buildings. Paint, kerosene. Besides, who'd think I'd burn down the building right after I got done redecorating? Not a bad idea. Worked pretty good, didn't it?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. You're going to jail. You figure it.

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

The story you have just heard was true. The names were changed to protect. On August 18, trial was held in Superior Court Department 86, 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.

[Detective Friday]

Thank you, George Fennerman. Friends, Comparisons are often very helpful in modern police work. Now, for instance, a suspect may be identified by comparing his MO or method of operation with the known facts of a.

[Narrator/Introductory Voice]

Edward. John Daniels was tried and convicted of two counts of conspiracy and one count of arson. And received the sentence as prescribed by law. Conspiracy is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for not more than two years. Arson is punishable by a prison term of not less than one or more than five years. Daniel's accomplice, Oliver Randall, was examined by three psychiatrists appointed by the court and was found to be mentally incompetent. He was placed in a state hospital for the mentally deficient. The charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Edward Daniels was dismissed. 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 Technical Advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher. Heard tonight were Barney Phillips and Vic Perrin. Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Detective Friday]

Now it's counter spy on NBC.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Grainger Announcer]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Dragnet has followed Broadway's My Beat in our lineup for nearly a year, ever since we went from six shows a week to five. And I have to say, this is the first time that the Broadway's My Beat episode has a more believable motive. It kind of shows that truth is stranger than fiction. Now if you did a Broadway's My Beat or a Johnny Dollar story where the criminal began setting fires, insurance payouts as an act of revenge against the insurance industry. I mean, it's not even against the company. Because if we've been listening to Johnny Doler, we do evidently have the idea that it's very unlikely that the same company is going to be insuring property in Ohio as will be insuring property in California. So he's essentially doing this to get back at the insurance industry. And he's right that the fact that he had the places repainted and paid for all that work helps to cover the fire in terms of the insurance company being like, why would he do this? But he's also ensuring that he's getting the least profitable insurance fraud because part of the fraud is paying to have the property repainted and totally done up. And the guy had the gall to be like, boy, wasn't this a clever plan, officers? It's not clever when the reason that the police and the insurance company can't catch you is they can't imagine you being that stupid, petty and spiteful. Again, such a plot would be ridiculous on Broadway's My Bait and other programs, but here apparently is close enough to True to Life. And this was from the one suspect that they did find mentally competent to stand trial. Listener comments and feedback. And we start on YouTube with some comments on the big Producer Jeffrey writes, Love your wrap up of the day show. Yeah, thank goodness such crime against kids is punished more stiffly now we truckers have organizations such as TAT to identify and report human trafficking and juvenile exploitation. Thanks, Adam, and thanks so much. I appreciate the comment, Jeffrey. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that despite the fact of courts not really having strict enforcement at the time Dragnet was doing Yeoman's work in explaining how these type of schemes took advantage of young women. And this would even continue into the 1960s series. And doubtless what Dragnet did laid the foundation for changes in the law regarding these offenses. On the same episode, Immortal Sergeant writes, thank you, Adam, for bringing bringing us this great episode. And James says, excellent episode. Thanks. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to comment over there on YouTube. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. Thank you to Roger, Patreon supporter since July of 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Roger. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet. But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Where when did he and Baron get out of the clink? About two weeks ago. I see. So what's the proposition Shockley has made your brother, Johnny? Adam has spent the past nine years, ever since he was released, out there building up this small brokerage office here in the East. Now he and his wife are finally beginning to reap the fruits of their labors. Children, two fine, upstanding kids, are in college over in New York State, so. But if it were ever to become known that he once served a term in prison for participation in a stock swing. Yeah, yeah, I know. Kind of pull the rug right out from under him, wouldn't it? It would completely ruin him, Johnny. And it would probably kill his wife. What? Dad, this nine years of struggle of trying to make up for that one mistake has been just as hard for her as it has for him. Right now, she happens to be in the hospital with a serious heart condition. I see. Is she the beneficiary of his insurance? Yes, she. And then, of course, the children. All right, now, what is this proposition that Shockley has made? He's demanded $75,000. 75? Wow. Yes. Unless Adam pays it in cash in unmarked bills, Shockley will release to the papers anonymously, of course. Well, he'll tell them all about Adam's unfortunate part in that stock selling racket years ago. Which means that if Adam had a single customer left inside of a week, it'd be a miracle. Then Shockley says after he's ruined him, he'll kill him. He'll What? Unless he pays this money, of course. He'll make it look like suicide after all, under the circumstances. Well, you know, the ruined businessman. Yeah, I do know. Sure. There'll be no reason for anyone to think it isn't suicide. Exactly. Wait a minute. That's the insurance angle, isn't it? Yes. If Adam's death is called suicide, his policy will be void. His wife and kids will get nothing. And if this man Shockley is as clever as Adam says he is, he'll do it in such a way that any court in the land will call it suicide. George, I. Well, I just can't believe it.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetactives.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 this week at Safeway.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

And Albertsons. Red, green or black seedless grapes are $1.99 per pound limit six pounds. Member price with coupon and fresh boneless pork shoulder country style ribs. Value packs are $2.49 per pound member price, plus selected sizes and varieties of General Mills cereals or Treat bars, Nature Valley granola bars, Mott's Fruit by the Foot or gushers are $1.99 each member price when you buy. 3. Hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save.

[Grainger Announcer]

Grainger KNOWS when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them. And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners. Lights about to fail, filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it.