The Big Threat

Originally Aired: April 12, 1951 Dragnet #96, "The Big Threat," Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero investigate a puzzling case after Dr. Hart reports that his patient, Lewis Butler, was beaten and robbed of over $800. When the detectives arrive at Butler's accordion studio, they encounter a frightened middle-aged businessman sporting bandages and facial swelling who adamantly refuses to cooperate. Butler insists he wants to forget the entire incident and won't press charges, despite the severity of his injuries and the substantial loss. His evasive behavior and obvious fear suggest something more sinister is at play. Friday and Romero face mounting frustration as Butler dodges their questions and repeatedly asks them to leave. The investigation takes a darker turn when Friday reveals that half a dozen people in the neighborhood have been similarly victimized in recent weeks. Despite Friday's warnings that cooperating with criminals through silence will only lead to further blackmail and violence, Butler remains terrified, admitting he knows the identity of his attackers but fears for his family's safety. The detectives must find a way to break through Butler's wall of fear before the holdup men strike again.