 Racketeer Jack Avery is stopped for speeding and detained by Sheriff Melton in the small town of Hartsdale. Determined to avoid extradition on a murder charge, he directs henchman Rick Herron to abduct the sheriff s wife Helen and offer to swap Helen s release for Avery s. Dan Mathews advises the sheriff to release Avery so that he can be followed using the Highway Patrol helicopter. Avery and Herron conceal their cars in a cave in a very remote area. They plan to escape later under cover of night, but Dan orders the helicopter pilot to cut the motors, sweep down, and blow dust into the cave so that he and Sergeant Williams can enter undetected for an attempt to capture the felons and rescue Helen Melton.