This is an off week for the What Was That Like podcast, but I’m here to introduce you to something new for the show that I’m pretty excited about.
Today you’re going to hear a bonus episode to kick off a new, ongoing series. These episodes are called Raw Audio.
One of the most popular features in some of the episodes for this podcast have been the 911 calls. When you hear the voice of a person calling the 911 emergency number and describing what’s going on, it can feel like you’re right there with them. These are not actors reading lines on a script, and they’re not re-enactments for a TV show. These are real-life moments, recorded as it happens.
I’ve wanted to incorporate more of those 911 calls into the show, but it’s just not always practical for each episode. So I decided I would create some new episodes, and the actual FOCUS would be on that emergency call. You’ll hear the backstory on what was happening, and you’ll hear the 911 emergency calls that took place, and you’ll hear what happened afterward. Unfortunately, not all of these stories have a happy ending.
So the first episode is happening right now, and this episode is available to everyone. After today, future Raw Audio episodes will only be available to patrons, through my Patreon page. Any supporter at the $5 level or higher will have exclusive access to these new episodes. So if you haven’t yet signed up, you can do that at WhatWasThatLike.com/support.
In today’s premier episode, you’ll hear:
- an off-duty officer on the phone with the 911 operator, as someone is breaking into his house, where his two young children are sleeping
- a man calling the emergency number from his car, while he is driving with his family
- some restaurant employees calling for help after one of their co-workers is attacked
As I said, these are intense. They are not for the faint of heart. But if you want true life, real life stories, that’s what you’ll get with these exclusive episodes. I mean, the regular episodes you hear on this show are crazy enough, and those will continue as always, and they will always be free. But the Raw Audio ongoing series takes it to the next level.
So see what you think of today’s show, and if you want to support the show and hear every episode, get over to WhatWasThatLike.com/support and become a patron.
Get every episode ad-free, AND get all the Raw Audio exclusive episodes to binge, by joining the other listeners at What Was That Like PLUS.
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Episode transcript (download transcript PDF):
This is an off week for the What Was That Like podcast, but I’m here to introduce you to something new for the show that I’m pretty excited about.
Today you’re going to hear a bonus episode to kick off a new, ongoing series. These episodes are called Raw Audio.
One of the most popular features in some of the episodes for this podcast have been the 911 calls. When you hear the voice of a person calling the 911 emergency number and describing what’s going on, it can feel like you’re right there with them. These are not actors reading lines on a script, and they’re not re-enactments for a TV show. These are real-life moments, recorded as it happens.
I’ve wanted to incorporate more of those 911 calls into the show, but it’s just not always practical for each episode. So I decided I would create some new episodes, and the actual FOCUS would be on that emergency call. You’ll hear the backstory on what was happening, and you’ll hear the 911 emergency calls that took place, and you’ll hear what happened afterward. Unfortunately, not all of these stories have a happy ending.
So the first episode is happening right now, and this episode is available to everyone. After today, future Raw Audio episodes will only be available to patrons, through my Patreon page. Any supporter at the $5 level or higher will have exclusive access to these new episodes. So if you haven’t yet signed up, you can do that at WhatWasThatLike.com/support.
In today’s premier episode, you’ll hear:
- an off-duty officer on the phone with the 911 operator, as someone is breaking into his house, where his two young children are sleeping
- a man calling the emergency number from his car, while he is driving with his family
- some restaurant employees calling for help after one of their co-workers is attacked
As I said, these are intense. They are not for the faint of heart. But if you want true life, real life stories, that’s what you’ll get with these exclusive episodes. I mean, the regular episodes you hear on this show are crazy enough, and those will continue as always, and they will always be free. But the Raw Audio ongoing series takes it to the next level.
So see what you think of today’s show, and if you want to support the show and hear every episode, get over to WhatWasThatLike.com/support and become a patron. Now, let’s get on with it. I’m Scott Johnson and you’re listening to What Was That Like raw audio.
____________________________________________________________________________
Scott
Decatur, Illinois, an off-duty officer was at home with his 2 young children. He heard a noise outside that sounded like people yelling at each other. When he went to investigate, he found a young man and woman having a heated argument in his front yard. They had been arguing in her car, but she stopped the car and got out in order to get away from him. The man was intoxicated. When it became obvious that he was not going to leave quietly. The homeowner made the call to 911.
911 Operator
Decatur, Macon County 911. What is your emergency?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Hey, my name is (hidden information). At my residence, I have a domestic dispute going on in the front yard. I don’t know who the people are.
911 Operator
Okay, what’s your address? You don’t know who they are?
Off-Duty Police Officer
No, I’ve got a young woman sitting in the front of my yard. I got another guy in a car that’s leaving. He’s threatening me right now.
911 Operator
What race is he?
Off-Duty Police Officer
He’s getting in a car right now. She’s got the car keys.
911 Operator
Okay, what race is the female?
Off-Duty Police Officer
She’s a white female. She’s wearing a green shirt and blue jeans. She’s roughly 18 years old. The white male is 22 or maybe 21. Here he comes back.
911 Operator
Okay. What’s he wearing?
Off-Duty Police Officer
He’s got an orange shirt on. Never mind, he doesn’t have a shirt on.
911 Operator
Okay, we’re right at the corner. Yeah. What kind of car is that?
Off-Duty Police Officer
He’s in a Grand Prix. The thing outside is a Grand Prix. He’s yelling stuff out. Okay, he’s coming back now. I’m gonna go get my firearm. He’s coming back now.
911 Operator
Okay. Is she injured?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Ma’am, get in here. All right, I’m going to get my gun. I’m wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of blue shorts.
911 Operator
Okay.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Again, I’m an off-duty police officer. Ma’am.
911 Operator
Have you got everybody inside the house?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yeah, I am. Stay right there. I have 2 kids in this other room. I don’t want you to move. Do you understand? I also have a dog in here that’ll eat him as well.
911 Operator
What did you say you were wearing again?
Off-Duty Police Officer
I’ve got a white Notre Dame Fighting Irish t-shirt on. Then, a blue pair– I’m sorry, green shorts. All right, I’ve got my duty firearm now as well as a badge on.
911 Operator
Okay. Is he still outside?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yes, as far as I know. I went down to the basement real quick to grab my duty firearm.
911 Operator
You said you’re at (hidden information). Okay.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Okay. You’re fine. Ma’am, your keys. It’s okay. We got you off. Yeah, there he is. Stay away from my house. Do you understand me now? Get back from the door! Listen, the Decatur police are on their way! Do not try to come into this house! Do you understand? I do have a firearm. Get back. Stand back from my house and lay on the ground. Do you understand me? Do you understand me? I’m an off-duty police officer. Get back from my house now. Listen to me. Do you understand me? Stand back from my house. Get back! Get back! Get back away from me! Lay on the ground now! Sir, no! I will not shoot you! Turn your back away from me. My 2 kids are sleeping right at my feet. You got me backed into a corner.
911 Operator
Okay. We’ve got several officers on the way now. We’ve got about 4 officers sent your way.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Go outside and lay on the ground! He’s got her in a corner. Sir! Get away now and lay on the ground! He’s got her cornered. He’s got her pinned in the corner.
911 Operator
Okay. Where’s your dog at?
Off-Duty Police Officer
The dog is right here with me. Daisy! Come here, Daisy! Stop! Get back! I took one shot at him. He’s been shot. Sir, get back!
911 Operator
Sir, did you say you shot him?
Off-Duty Police Officer
I shot him right between the chest, yes.
911 Operator
Did you shoot him in between the chest?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yes, right in the chest. He’s got me cornered in my house.
911 Operator
Okay, that’s fine. You said you shot him right between the chest?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yeah.
911 Operator
All right. We’ve got them coming.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Good God. Please get somebody here.
911 Operator
They’re on their way. We have 7 officers sent.
Off-Duty Police Officer
My 2 kids are on the ground sleeping right at my feet. Good God. Ma’am! Ma’am, please!
911 Operator
Calm down, sir.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Ma’am, please! Lay down on the ground! You lay down on the ground too!
911 Operator
Okay. Is he bleeding?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yes, he’s bleeding. He’s not moving. He’s lying face down on the floor.
911 Operator
Okay. He’s not moving. He’s faced down. Is he breathing?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Ma’am, please! I have 2 children on the floor here! This is my home, for the love of God. Please stay there. The Decatur police–
911 Operator
There’s an officer from the fire department that’s just coming off there right now. Okay? He’s gonna wait for his backup. Sir?
Off-Duty Police Officer
God, please!
911 Operator
Sir.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yes.
911 Operator
Is he breathing?
Off-Duty Police Officer
I can hear him. There’s blood everywhere. Listen, I can hear him.
911 Operator
Okay, sir. You need to secure your weapon, okay?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yes, I’m setting it on the ground, right where I’m at. She’s right in between the door.
911 Operator
Okay. Sir, I need to know. Is he breathing?
Off-Duty Police Officer
Yes.
911 Operator
He’s breathing?
Off-Duty Police Officer
He’s gasping. He’s lying face down and gasping.
911 Operator
Okay, he’s gasping. Sir, there are officers outside.
Off-Duty Police Officer
What is his name? Do you want me to let the officers in?
911 Operator
Yeah, let the officers in. Make sure you tell them who you are.
Off-Duty Police Officer
But I have my gun here.
911 Operator
Put your gun down, sir.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Okay.
911 Operator
Put your gun down, sir.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Hold on. I’m coming to the door now.
911 Operator
We’ll let them know you’re coming to the door.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Here I am! Right here! I’m laying down. My 2 children are on the floor in there! I’m gonna set the phone down.
911 Operator
Okay, sir. I’m gonna let you go.
Off-Duty Police Officer
Alright. Thank you.
911 Operator
Yep.
Scott
The intruder died from his injuries. The audio from that phone call played a major role in the investigation that followed. A coroner’s jury determined the death to be classified as justifiable homicide. No charges were filed against the officer.
Scott
In San Diego California, Mark Saylor was driving a rental car on the freeway. It was a Lexus. In the car with him was his wife and their 13-year-old daughter and his brother-in-law, Chris. Suddenly Mark realized that the accelerator was stuck. The car quickly began to increase speed and he was unable to do anything to slow it down. That’s when Chris made this short desperate call for help.
911 Operator
911 Emergency. What are you reporting?
Mark
We’re going North 125 and our accelerator is stuck.
911 Operator
I’m sorry.
Mark
Our accelerator is stuck. We’re on 125.
911 Operator
North on 125. Where are you passing?
Mark
We are passing– Where are we passing here? We’re going to 120 Mission Gorge. We’re in trouble. There’s no brake.
911 Operator
Okay.
Mark
Mission Gorge and freeway half-mile.
911 Operator
Okay, and you don’t have the ability to turn the vehicle off or anything?
Mark
We’re approaching the intersection! We’re approaching the intersection! We’re approaching the intersection! Hold on. Pray! Pray! Oh, shoot! (Crashing sound)
911 Operator
Hello?
Scott
None of the 4 people in the car survived the crash. An investigation revealed that that same Lexus had been rented to a different customer 3 days earlier. They returned it with the complaint that the accelerator was sticking. Toyota is the manufacturer of the Lexus luxury cars. At the time, they had recalled 2.3 million Toyotas but the Lexus was not included in that recall.
Scott
Sandusky, Ohio, it was closing time at the Golden Corral restaurant. One of the workers, Cevin Stanley, got into an argument with a customer. The customer, Demetrius Hall, went outside the restaurant. Cevin and some of his co-workers also went outside. That’s when Demetrius approached Cevin and stabbed him. He was able to walk back into the restaurant but soon collapsed to the floor while a couple of his co-workers called 911.
(Caller 1)
911 Operator
- Where’s your emergency?
Female co-woker
Can we get 911 to go to Corral? Somebody got stabbed and he just fell out.
911 Operator
Okay. Slow down. Where are you?
Female co-woker
We need an ambulance to go to Corral.
911 Operator
Golden Corral?
Female co-woker
Yes. A customer stabbed one of our workers and he just fell out.
911 Operator
Okay. All right. They’re on the way, okay?
Female co-woker
Oh my God.
(Caller 2)
911 Operator
- Where’s your emergency?
Male
Can we get an ambulance to Golden Corral?
911 Operator
What’s going on?
Male
Please. Just can you please hurry? Somebody was stabbed. Please.
911 Operator
I need to know if somebody was stabbed at Golden Corral.
Male
Yes. Sandusky, Ohio.
911 Operator
Okay. Where were they stabbed?
Male
It was in the stomach.
911 Operator
In the stomach?
Male
Yeah.
911 Operator
Okay. Is the person that stabbed them still there?
Male
Yes. Can you just come? Please. He’s right here. Please, ma’am. Can you just hurry up?
911 Operator
They’re on the way. Who stabbed him?
Male
I don’t know the man. He was in a white van. Can you please?
911 Operator
They’re already on the way, sir. They’re already on the way. Is the man still there?
Male
No, he ran. He’s gone. I don’t know him. Please.
911 Operator
Okay. They’re coming as fast as they can. My caller says he may have rushed away in a white van.
Male
It’s a white Dodge van. I don’t know.
911 Operator
A white Dodge van?
Male
Yeah.
911 Operator
The vehicle is a white Dodge van. We’re getting another caller that’s advising them, maybe at Walmart. Okay, sir.
Male
He’s like going in and out now. We’re trying to keep him alive.
911 Operator
Okay. The ambulance is almost there and so are our officers, okay?
Male
They’re almost here!
911 Operator
Are you right by him?
Male
Yeah, everybody’s standing over him. We’re trying to hold the wound.
911 Operator
Okay. Is the knife still in his stomach?
Male
No.
911 Operator
Okay.
Male
Can you please just hurry up?
911 Operator
Okay. They’re already on the way. They’re just down the street so they’re almost there.
Male
Okay. I’ve got the back door open right now. Okay.
911 Operator
Okay. I’ll let them now.
Male
Can you hear me?
911 Operator
I’ll let them know. I let them know.
Scott
Cevin was pronounced dead at the scene. Demetrius, age 28, was charged with murder. His girlfriend Tausha Patch was charged with complicity to murder. They both pled “Not guilty” and remain in jail with a $2 million bond.