Mayor Hayden
September XX, 1995 – Ilium, NY
Radio Scanner Chatter
Time: 14:30 – 15:02 EDT
14:30 EDT
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Unit 3-4, we’ve got a call for a possible break-in at the Mayor’s office. Reports of suspicious entry—looks like some damage. Respond to City Hall, 433 River Street. Over.”
Unit 3-4:
“Copy that, Dispatch. 3-4 en route. ETA five minutes. Over.”
14:36 EDT
Unit 3-4:
“Dispatch, 3-4. We’re on scene at City Hall. Door’s been forced open. I’m going inside to check. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Roger that, 3-4. Keep us posted. Over.”
14:38 EDT
Unit 3-4:
“Dispatch, 3-4. Mayor’s office is a wreck. Papers scattered. Furniture overturned. There’s muddy water all over the floor. No sign of the Mayor. I’m sweeping the building now. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Understood, 3-4. Stay safe. Keep us updated. Over.”
14:42 EDT
Unit 3-4:
“Dispatch, 3-4. Still no sign of the Mayor, but the place is flooded with water—looks like it’s been sitting for hours. Calling in a full investigation team. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Roger that, 3-4. We’ll send tech and forensics. Keep us posted. Over.”
14:48 EDT
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch, Unit 1-5, we’re en route to assist with the break-in at City Hall. ETA ten minutes. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Copy that, 1-5. Meet up with Unit 3-4. They’re requesting a full investigation team. Over.”
14:50 EDT
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Unit 3-4, we’ve got a new tip. The News called in. One of their runners spotted someone matching the Mayor’s description heading north from the canal on 1st Ave. He was apparently muttering to himself. Be on the lookout. Over.”
Unit 3-4:
“Copy that, Dispatch. Did the runner mention anything else about his condition? Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Negative, 3-4. Runner didn’t give further details. Still, it’s worth checking. Over.”
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch, Unit 1-5. We’re about two blocks away from 1st Avenue and the canal. We’ll check it out. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Roger, 1-5. Be cautious. The Mayor may be disoriented or in distress. Over.”
14:54 EDT
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch, Unit 1-5. We’re near 1st Avenue and the canal. No sign of the Mayor yet, but we’re canvassing the area. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Copy that, 1-5. Keep an eye out. If you spot someone matching the description, detain them for questioning. Over.”
14:58 EDT
Unit 1-6:
“Dispatch, 1-6. We’ve been flagged down by some street kids here at Prospect Street Bridge. They say a man’s over the railing, like he’s about to jump. They think it’s Mayor Hayden. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“1-6, copy that. Hold your position. Do not approach the Mayor yet. If you can get more details from the witnesses. Over.”
Unit 1-6:
“Roger, Dispatch. We’ll talk to the kids. Backup is on the way. Over.”
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch, Unit 1-5. We’re about a block away from Prospect Street. ETA two minutes. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Roger, 1-5. Be advised: The Mayor may be disoriented or in distress. Keep it low-key. Over.”
Unit 1-5:
“Understood.”
15:00 EDT
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch, 1-5. We’re on Prospect Street Bridge now. Mayor’s leaning over the railing, talking to someone who isn’t there. I’ve got visual, but he doesn’t seem to notice us. 1-6, you copy? Over.”
Unit 1-6:
“Copy, 1-5. Be careful—don’t startle him. I’m moving in closer. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“1-5, 1-6, proceed with caution. Make sure he doesn’t make any sudden moves. We’re coordinating a safe response. Over.”
Unit 1-5:
“Understood, Dispatch. We’re moving in slow. 1-6, we’ve got this. Over.”
15:01 EDT
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch, 1-5. Mayor climbed over the rail and is leaning forward, shouting at the water. Can’t make out what he’s saying. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Copy, 1-5. Move in if safe. Fire and EMS en route. River unit ETA fifteen minutes. Over.”
15:02 EDT
Unit 1-5:
“Dispatch! 1-5! The Mayor just raised his hands and shouted ‘I must be with her!’ then he jumped. Repeat, he jumped off the Prospect Street Bridge. Requesting immediate medical and river rescue, now. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Copy, 1-5. Confirming: Mayor Hayden has jumped. EMS and water rescue are en route. Stay on scene. Attempt visual contact. Over.”
Unit 1-6:
“Negative, Dispatch. No visual yet. Current’s fast. We’re checking the embankment. Over.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“All units in the area, be advised: this is now a critical incident. Secure the bridge, establish a perimeter, and assist rescue crews upon arrival. Over.”
Unit 3-4: “Dispatch, 3-4… I can’t believe we let the Witch get the mayor.”
Dispatch (Ilium PD):
“Unit 3-4. Keep the line clear or get off it. Over.”
Unit 3-4: “3-4. Copy.”