Striking Distance

Detective Thomas Hardy reports his partner and cousin, Jimmy Detillo, for using excessive force while on duty. This act of courage brands him a traitor among his colleagues, leaving him isolated within the precinct.

While attending the Policemen's Ball with his father, Vincent, Thomas receives an urgent call about the Polish Hill Strangler sighted in downtown Pittsburgh. This moment ignites his determination to seek justice and uncover the truth behind the serial murders.

In the pursuit of the Strangler, Thomas and Vincent experience a tragic accident that leaves Vincent gravely injured. This event deepens Thomas's sense of loss and guilt as the Strangler remains at large.

Douglas Kesser is arrested in connection with the murders, yet Thomas doubts his guilt. His instincts tell him that Kesser is not the true killer, prompting him to continue his investigation.

Two years later, Thomas finds himself demoted to the River Rescue Squad, his career devastated by the loss of his father and his ongoing personal struggles. This new role is a far cry from his previous position as a homicide detective.

During a routine patrol, Thomas discovers a body dump, only to find that the victim is an ex-girlfriend. This grim discovery reignites his obsession with the Polish Hill Strangler.

Thomas teams up with new partner Jo Christman, who brings a calming presence and shares an understanding of his burdens. Together, they dive deeper into the Strangler case as the body count rises.

At the Policemen's Ball, tensions flare as Thomas confronts the officers who ostracized him. Jo steps in to deescalate the situation, showcasing her support while further complicating the dynamics of their working relationship.

Following the ball, Jo takes a stand against Thomas's self-destructive behavior by disposing of his whiskey. This moment leads to an intense and vulnerable conversation about their pasts and growing connection.

Tensions escalate during a court proceeding when Jo's real identity as Emily Harper comes to light, revealing her connection to Internal Affairs and her surveillance of Thomas. This complicates their personal and professional relationship further.

Thomas finds the body of a colleague from his squad dead near his houseboat, heightening the urgency of his investigation. At the same time, he learns that Emily has been abducted, deepening his commitment to solve the case.

After uncovering that Jimmy is the real killer, Thomas pursues him to the Detillo family cabin, leading to a tense standoff. This confrontation reveals longstanding family ties and bitter resentment in a climactic showdown.

In a violent confrontation, Thomas faces Jimmy, who threatens Emily's life. The struggle escalates with unexpected twists, including Nick accidentally killing Vincent during the chaos.

In a desperate attempt to escape, Jimmy takes off in Thomas’s motorboat, leading to a tense chase on the waterways. Thomas seizes the moment to deliver a decisive shock with his taser, finally bringing the chaos to an end.

After a tumultuous journey, Thomas visits his father's grave with Emily and her daughter, Sarah. He lays down a wreath, symbolizing both his closure and an acknowledgment of the painful legacy he carries.