 Ladies and gentlemen, the story you're about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Dragnet. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. For the past 10 days, a gunman has been terrorizing the downtown area of your city. He's always armed and dangerous. Your job? Stop him. 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 spirals. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action. It was Tuesday, October 5th, with Rainey in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out a robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. I've gone my way back from Metropolitan Division. It was 7.56 p.m. when I got to the city hall. Robbery squad room. Hey, buddy, you didn't have to make a special trip in to bring the size. Well, I might have forgot it tomorrow. Let's put it in the car again. Here you are. Oh, thanks. Hey, the car's still in the box. You want it? No. Hey, look at this. Real pretty. So good with my brown suit. Real silk, too. That's a pretty clever idea. Putting a name on a tie like that. Don't you think? Yeah. Yeah, you used to do the same thing with ink and paper when I was a kid. You know, put a gob ink on the paper and then fold it over. Yeah, some pretty weird-looking pictures. This name business makes a nice neat tie pattern. Don't you think, Joe? Yeah, if you don't mind the switch. On the name, you mean? Yeah. No. Unless you're looking for it, you wouldn't know what said Joe Friday. Here, take a look. This is going to happen to me when I'm wearing it. Kind of hard to see. Yeah. Well, as long as you're satisfied, you're the one who's going to wear it. Well, sure. Looks great to me. Of course, if you're going to turn your head sideways and read it, then you can see it says Joe Friday, but I don't think people are going to go to all that trouble. You think so? No, I don't think so. Do you talk stoner? Yeah, it says no minutes later. All right. Better get going, huh? Yeah. Well, to get your coat, it's coming down pretty hard out there. All right. You think it'll keep the suspect inside? I don't know. It isn't going to work for us. Not shot. I got it. Flower in 14. I came out of the office and drove out to the address. It was a small neighborhood liquor store. In spite of the heavy rain, a large crowd had already gathered in front of the place. We parked our car and tried to get into the store. All right. Let us through here, folks, please. Now, stop pushing us. No reason to give you a special pass. Police officer, let us through here. Let us through here. Outside, I didn't know. It's all right. Let us through here. I've seen a lot of tough guys, but there was something wrong with this fella. Back there, Joe. No. You call the ambulance yet? Can't we do something for poor Claude? Don't just let him lay there. You from downtown? That's right. Friday in Smith Central. Robbie, have you answered the call? Me and my partner. That him outside? That's right. You get a description? It's out. Okay. Ain't anybody going to ask me what happened? Yes, sir, just a minute, please. Seems all you fellas are interested in is what the guy looked like. Nobody want to know what happened? Yes, sir, we do. If you'll wait just a minute, please. No choice. Anything more I can do here? No, not right now. Okay. I'll be outside if you need anything. Right. Thanks. All right, sir. You want to tell us? About time. What's that? All this running around and yelling. Wonder you fellas don't catch anybody. Don't slow down long enough for me to tell you what happened. You want to go ahead? Worst thing I ever saw in my whole life. Most terrible. Yes, sir. Were you alone with Miss Garland the shooting occurred? No. Who else was there? Claude, Anita, and me. Claude the victim. Yeah. That's him there. Yes, sir. Don't you think somebody ought to do something for him? Seems like the ambulance ought to be here. Well, he's dead. Claude? That's right. You've got to catch the fella who had done this. Most brutal thing I ever saw. No reason for any of it. That guy was off his rocker. He mentioned somebody named Anita. She's still here. Yeah. She's in this room. She wasn't feeling too good. Almost scared her half to death. Went back there to take an aspirin and lay down. Scared. I wonder if we could talk to her. You have to. Yes, sir. Okay. I'll go get her. You just wait here. Anita. Anita. It's me, Hamlet. Can you come out? We don't like to bother you, lady. We'll try to be as brief as possible. It's all right. Would you give us your name? This is Miss Anita Blaine. I'm Hamlet Dawson. I don't think you told us your name. Miss Frank Smith. My name's Brydie. Hello. How are you doing there? Is there anything we can get for you, Miss Blaine? No, I'm all right now. All right. Can you tell us what happened? We was back at the counter playing a game of privilege. You were the victim? Yeah. Me and Claude. His full name's Claude Langford. We was there playing the game. Were you in the store at the time? No. I came in later. I'm trying to tell you in the right order. Can't do it if you're going to keep interrupting. All right. We were out of hand. Oh, we were having a good game. Claude was ahead. Already made the first turn. Oh, but Crib and I really had a good hand. Might have caught him. Yes, sir. We were just about to play the hand when the door opened. Kind of surprising. Why is that? Didn't figure anybody would be out on a night like this. All right, sir. It was this young kid. All right, go ahead. Come in and ask me where we kept the canned nuts. You know, cashews and almonds? Yes, sir. I pointed it out for him. He went over to have a look. Mm-hmm. Claude and me started back to the game, but the kid found what he wanted, and he come up to the counter. All right. I got up to wait on him. Handed me a $5 bill for two cans of peanuts. Yeah. Opened the register to get change. That's when he pulled the gun. Now, where'd he have the gun? In his overcoat pocket. It was funny, though. And not funny, ha-ha, but funny. Odd. You know? How do you mean that? Well, you know how most raincoats have a little slit in the pocket so you can reach into your pants pockets without unbuttoning your raincoats. Yeah, I know what you mean. Well, the kid unbuttoned his coat and reached right through the slit with the gun. Kind of like this. See? See? Yeah. Now, what did he say when he showed you the gun? Like this. This is a stick up. Keep your mouth shut and you might not get hurt. Mike, that's what he said. What happened then? Told both Claude and me to come out from behind the counter. Said for us to lay down on the floor. Yeah. We did like he said, you know. There was just something about that kid so you had to go his way. He made us lay down right there where Claude is now on our stomachs. Yeah, what happened then? Went over and took the money out of the cash register. Then he really got sore. I thought he was gonna explode. Why, you know? Wasn't much for him to take, only about 20, 25 dollars. Guess he expected more. I see. He come over to where me and Claude were on the floor. Told us to take the money out of our pocket. Stood there with a gun pointed right at us. He was mad. He did what he said. You just bet we did. I only had about six bucks on me. Gave it right to him though. Yeah. That's when Anita here come into the store. Just walked in like a rabbit into a fox's trap. Jack, I didn't have any idea what was going on. Couldn't you see through the door? I guess I should have, but it was raining too hard. I didn't take the time. Glass was kind of steamed up too. Made it tough to look in. I see. What happened when the holdup man saw you? He told me to keep my mouth shut, not to make a sound and get down on the floor. Just like us? He grabbed my purse and took the wallet out, went through it and took the money. How much was it? Just a couple of dollars. I came over to get a bottle of wine and I only took what I needed. All right. You want to go on? He started on Claude. Told him to empty his pockets. Yeah. Claude didn't take too kindly to the way this fellow was acting. If he'd just come in and taken the money, it might have been different, but Claude don't like to be shoved around. He did like the kid told him, though, emptied his pockets right out. I see, sir. Well, you just figure the man was real sore when he saw how much money he was going to get. Yeah. You see, Claude don't work. He's got some kind of pension. All alone in the world, he usually don't have much money. The main reason he comes over to play cards, he ain't got nothing else to do, and it's free. How much do you have on him tonight? Thirty-seven cents. Kid saw that. I thought, sure, he's going to kill us all. He sure acted like it. Then he figured maybe Claude was holding out on him. Told him to turn his pockets inside out. He did like he was told. Still, when he did, something fell out of his pocket. A coin hit the floor and rolled around, disappeared under the counter over there. The man with a gun caught and got real mad. Said Claude tried to get away with something. Said to him to go pick up the coin. Claude told him if he wanted it that bad, he could get it himself. Still, fellow just looked at Claude for a minute, and then put the gun right against his head. Right here, see. Didn't say a word. Just pulled the trigger. No reason for it. Claude must have been dead when he hit the floor. Yes, Brutal. What did you then? Ran outside. Did you try and follow him? No, sir. Me and Anita were trying to see if there was anything we could do for Claude. Did the man get into a car, do you know? I didn't see. Might have, but I didn't see it. Did you hear a car? No. Have you ever seen the man around here before? Not that I remember. A lot of people go by the door. Hard to pick one, make it stand out. You'd know him again if you saw him, though, would you? I think so. I would. Ma'am. Never forget the way he looked at me. Like some kind of animal. I see. Something about his eyes. He looked crazy. Real wild. Well, how do you mean that? Well, he wasn't looking right at us. Like there was somebody standing behind me. He was looking at them. He couldn't focus, you know. I know what you mean. Hey, did you see the coin that Langford dropped? No, just heard it hit the floor. Uh-huh. Find it? I think so. Look, it doesn't make much sense. Take a look at it. What is it? Streetcar token. The men from the crime lab arrived and photographed the store. Diagrams were made showing the position of the body and the premises were checked thoroughly. The victims were taken to the city hall to check the mug book. They were unable to make an identification. The canvas was started in the immediate area in the hope that we might be able to turn up a witness to the shooting. One of the uniformed officers talked to a news boy who had seen a man run from the liquor store. Frank and I went down to talk to him. Yeah, I saw him. I heard this noise like a backfire, and then this fella came out of the store and started to run down the street. You got a good look at him? No, he went down that way away from me. You see if he got into a car? No, he ran around the corner. I didn't think a lot about it till after the whole thing was over. Did you describe him for us? No, I just got a look at his back. Nothing about that that it stand out. Uh-huh. You might talk to that girl though. What girl? Well, when the fella ran out of the store, he almost knocked her down, ran right by her. You know who she is? What? Not right out. Sure feel like I do. What do you mean? I see her every week. Where's that? Home every Saturday night. What's that? She's on television. From the witness, we got the time of day of the television show. We contacted the network and obtained the information that the girl's name was Betty Martin. They went on to tell us that she was working in a nightclub in Beverly Hills. Frank and I drove out to see her. She was sitting at a table talking to some people, and we asked the waiter to tell her we'd like to see her. Hello, you want to see me? Yes, ma'am, would you sit down please? Thank you. Here, I'll get that chair for you. What can I do for you? We're police officers, Miss Martin. This is Frank Smith. My name's Friday. How do you do? Hello. We understand that you're in the area of 14th and Flower tonight, is that right? That's right. Why? While there was a holdup and shooting down there, it's possible that you might have seen the man who did it. Well, I don't think so. My manager and I went down there to listen to a group that's playing. But as far as I know, I didn't see anybody else. Oh, excuse me, I'll be right back. If you wait until I'm finished, I'll tell you what I can. What's rather important, Miss Martin? We'll wait. Well, that's my job. I'll do one song and then I'll be back. Right, thank you. Excuse me. My son named Arthur Hamilton. What's this about a man I suppose to have seen? Well, we told you there was a shooting at 14th and Flower. Uh-huh. Well, one of the people in the neighborhood recognized you, and he tells us the suspect ran right by you, is that right? Gee, I don't remember. Um, just a minute. Oh, no, I remember. Yeah, he ran out of the store, almost knocked me down. Didn't even stop to say anything. Oh, did you get a good look at him? Well, he ran into me. Hmm, can you tell us anything about him? Well, I'm afraid not. I didn't pay any attention. Something that happens, and you don't think about it, you know? Yes, ma'am. Would you know the man if you saw him again? I don't think so. The whole thing happened so fast. There's nothing about him that you remember. No, unless it was his eyes. Ma'am? His eyes, like he was looking right through you. Ha! P.M., Frank and I went back downtown. The search for the killer had spread throughout the city. Additional units from all divisions were called in to help. From the description given us by the victims and witnesses, it appeared more than likely that the suspect was a narcotics user. If this was true, it was more than possible that he'd cut down anybody who had gotten his way. Frank and I contacted the office and talked to Captain Donahoe. He'd taken over the search for the gunman. Because it was impossible to cover all of the liquor stores in the area, it was decided to ask the owners to close. Frank and I were assigned to places along Vermont Avenue. The first six stores we contacted cooperated. By the time we got to the 7th, the rain had stopped. We parked the car in front of the place and we walked in. And first there was no one in sight. But then in the storeroom, we found the owner. He was lying on the floor, his head buried in his arms. You go away. Leave me alone. You all right? I am not. I want to stay that way. Now, you get out of here. Look, we're police officers. What's the matter with you? Now, don't try that with me. I know who you are. You got all the money. There's no more to take. Come on. This is no joke, fella. Now, listen. I remember what you said. I ain't going to get up from here for another two minutes. I can see my watch. It's still got two minutes. Come on. Get your head up from the floor. There's an identification card here. See it? Are you sure? Well, you're looking at it. Now, look, if this is a joke, I'm not going to like it. Come on. Come on. Don't worry about it. Now, get up. Come on. It's about time you got here. It's a terrible thing when a man's robbed in his own store and nobody's going to take the time to protect him. You were held up tonight? Yes, sir. Not more than three minutes ago. Guy left. He told me to stay where I was for five minutes. What do you look like? The man who held you up, can you describe him for us? Yeah, a young kid, just out of his teens, just out of his teens. What about it? What do you look like? Well, he's dark, black hair, black eyes, wildest-looking eyes he ever saw. One look at him, and you know he meant what he said. Stay put, and I did. I'll call him. All right. What's he going to do? Put out a broadcast. For the hold-up, man? That's it. I don't want to tell you your business, but it sure seems like a waste of time. What's that? Well, if he hears it, he ain't going to give himself up. The gas was put out to all units. From the description given by the victim, we were sure it was him. We took a little over 20 minutes to get the cars into position. Frank talked with Captain Donahoe at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Beverly Boulevard. After the meeting, he came back to the car. Are the areas secure? Are they trying to nail them down? No. He figured to keep the area surrounded, wait for morning, and then move in. Do you think he's still here? Well, no, in three hours. The neighborhood netted nothing, and the area was secured for the night. The rain kept up. All officers involved in the operation were kept on duty. At 6.20 a.m., almost by house, the space where the killer could be hiding was eliminated. All cars into and out of the area were stopped and searched. 7.15 a.m., the perimeter began to narrow. At 8.46 a.m., a call went out to all units. All units held the vicinity of Vermont Avenue and Beverly Boulevard. Regarding the suspect wanted for murder, possible suspects believed to be in the vicinity of Vermont and Catalina Street. Attention, all units. Special detail. Regarding the suspect wanted for murder, possible suspect believed to be in the vicinity of Catalina Street and Vermont Avenue. That's us. Yeah, it will be a break if it's him, right? All units, on special detail in the vicinity of Vermont Avenue and Beverly Boulevard. Regarding the suspect wanted for murder, possible suspect believed to be in the vicinity of Vermont and Catalina Street. Attention, all units. Special detail. Regarding the suspect wanted for murder, possible suspect believed to be Why do you kill a man for a street cart open? According to the report received by the complaint board, a woman in the vicinity had seen someone run through her backyard. When she shouted at the person, he continued running and disappeared into the alley. All cars in the area converged, and a complete search was started. As time went on, the possible hiding places narrowed, and finally the suspect was left with less than a block in which to conceal himself. Frank and I joined the officers on foot. After 20 minutes, we found ourselves in the backyard of one of the houses on the street. Looks like a chicken house back there. Better check it, huh? Yeah. All right. You got it covered? Yeah. Come on out. Keep your hands where we can see him. Don't shoot, huh? Please don't shoot. Stay still. Right where you are. I'm doing like you say. Don't shoot. All right, get up and get that wall. Come on. Put your hands up there. On the wall. 38 revolving. I've had a given it to you. I don't want any trouble. Always works out that way, doesn't it? What do you mean? You guys are big as long as you're holding the gun. Soon as somebody else has got it, you fall apart, don't you? I don't want no lectures, cop. Just take me in. That's all you got to do. Take me in and make a book. We'll do that. We'll end up on a limb anyway. You've got nothing to hold me on. That's all? Yeah, I've been around cops a long time. I learned it the hard way. Don't tell them nothing. That's the way to make it. Don't tell them nothing. Well, you missed one of the big points. Huh? This gun you were carrying. Yeah. Maybe that'll tell us. He was mugged and fingerprinted. From his prints, we identified him as Max Hanford. He had a record listing several arrests for violations of the state narcotic act and two counts robbery. However, he'd never served time on any of the charges. We talked over an hour without result. 10.40 a.m. Why don't you leave me alone? I got nothing for you guys. Well, you keep believing it. We got people coming in who are going to lay it on you. For what? Two-eleven and murder. You're out of your mind. We got you made on all counts. Anyway, you slice it. You're on the needle, cop. Is that so? Yeah, you got one beef on me. Most of you can take me for stealing chickens. You sit down and try to think what a judge is going to say when you read that awesome court. All right, Hanford, you keep that smile on your face. You go right on believing it. We can't press a charge. It'll stick. Now, we got a half a dozen people on the way in here. They'll point you out in a crowd. As soon as they do, we'll drop you on the cell and hold you eyes open. It won't be long until that yen gets so big you'll be yelling for us to turn you loose. You got it all figured, haven't you? That's right, right down the line. You're a hype. You're hooked, and you're hooked bad. Everything's working for us. You go through the cure, and you'll tell us what we want to know, and you'll be glad you got the chance to talk. We don't need your help. We're home free without you. You keep up the way you're acting. See how far it gets you. You really figure you can box me in? Without a door. When'd you call the people? What's that? To point me out. A little while ago. Well, can you get them before they leave home? Why? No reason for them to make a trip. I'll give it to you. You want a stenographer? Might as well. I got nothing to lose. I'll give you the story. I'll get them. All right. Loudest deal. Is that right? Yeah, I didn't want to kill that fella, you know. Well, why'd you do it? I was high. I just had a pop. I felt like I owned the world. I'd be pretty sure to think the guy was holding out on me. Guess you think that's a pretty bad reason. That's right. People don't understand. You get a bad habit working on you. You do anything to feed it. Is that right? Sure. You let me talk to anybody. Let me tell them what it means to have a supply shut off. I'll tell them what it's like. I don't care who it is. You put me in front of a jury. I'll tell them. Well, you'll get the chance. Tell them it wasn't my fault. I got hooked on this stuff. That's why I did it. I'll tell them. Well, while you're at it, you can tell them something else. Why? Why you started taking narcotics. On February 16th, trial was held in Department 97, Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the county of Los Angeles. Skipper Hanford was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree and received sentence as prescribed by law. Because the jury failed to return a recommendation for clemency, he received the maximum sentence and was put to death in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary San Quentin, California. This force in action and starring Jack Webb, a presentation of the United States Armed Forces radio...