The Killer Is Loose

Investigators led by Lt. Sam Wagner link a bold savings-and-loan robbery to Leon Poole, marking him as a key accomplice. The case reveals the criminals' uncanny familiarity with the bank's layout and procedures. When police arrive at Poole's apartment, a gunfight ensues and Sam accidentally shoots Poole's wife, who Poole later laments was the only person who respected him.

The raid at Poole's apartment erupts into a gunfight. Sam's accidental shooting of Poole's wife leads Poole to surrender as the tragedy settles over the investigation. Neighbors later recall that she was the only person who truly respected him.

The teller involved in the robbery is sentenced to a decade in prison. As he leaves confinement, he vows to take revenge on Wagner. The sentence signals the long shadow the crime will cast over the investigation.

Two years pass and Sam transfers to a desk job at the urging of his wife, Lila, who fears for his life on duty. Lila's worry grows as the Poole case remains unresolved and danger lingers nearby. Sam tries to reassure her while settling into a quieter routine.

Poole has been moved to the prison's honor farm for good behavior, but that calm demeanor hides a dangerous streak. At the first opportunity, he kills a guard and escapes. The escape marks the beginning of a city-bound pursuit.

Following his escape, Poole murders a farmer, steals the farmer's truck and clothing, and drives toward the city where the Wagners live. He relies on the farmer's possessions to blend in and avoid recognition. The chase intensifies as roadblocks and patrols appear behind him.

Poole discovers that removing his distinctive glasses makes him almost invisible to authorities, and he passes roadblocks undetected. This strategic deception lets him press forward toward his target. His masked identity lets him close the distance to Wagner's home.

Sam is asked to resume active duty to help with the case, stepping back into danger to pursue Poole. Lila watches with fear, torn between faith in Sam and the risk to their family. The renewed pursuit begins in earnest as the city braces for a confrontation.

Interviews with Poole's former cellmates reveal that he remains obsessed with revenge and intends to make Sam suffer by harming Lila. The motive elevates the stakes of the pursuit and foreshadows the personal danger awaiting the Wagner family. The truth tightens the focus on Poole's next move.

Sam sends Lila into hiding at a colleague's home to keep her safe, but he withholds the reasons, leaving her to fear that she is being used as bait. The separation strains their relationship and tests their trust. Lila's isolation sharpens her resolve to survive.

Lila confronts Sam at home, accusing him of valuing his job over their marriage. She threatens to leave him, feeling sidelined and anxious about the risk around him. Sam's calm demeanor masks the toll the pursuit takes on their relationship.

To draw Poole out, Sam's home is turned into a strategic trap, and the police prepare to ambush the fugitive. The setup intensifies the tension at the Wagner residence while Lila's worry remains high. The plan hinges on Poole's willingness to make a move.

Poole stalks his former army sergeant Otto Flanders, breaks into his home and terrorizes Flanders' wife. When Flanders returns, he confronts the intruder and Poole shoots him dead, then steals a raincoat from Flanders' wife to aid his disguise. The chain of violence deepens as Poole closes in on the city.

A colleague's wife reveals Poole's true intentions and that police families face emotional strain, prompting Lila to consider leaving. The revelation adds gravity to her fears and drives her toward a final resolution. She steels herself to support Sam despite the danger.

Lila returns home to reconcile with Sam, but Poole follows in a stolen raincoat, disguised as a woman. Lila leads him into a police ambush and he is shot down. Sam and Lila embrace as the police close around Poole's corpse.