Arizona deputy sheriff Walt is tasked with extraditing a wanted felon, James Ringerman, from New York City. Upon arriving, he finds the process more complicated than expected due to bureaucratic hurdles. The city’s legal system, represented by Lieutenant McElroy, insists on adhering to procedural norms, which frustrates Walt's direct approach. With limited resources and little patience for paperwork, he navigates the unfamiliar landscape of New York's chaotic streets. He teams up with social worker Julie Roth, who is skeptical of his cowboy methods but intrigued by his determination. Walt's relentless pursuit is not only challenged by the system but also by the cultural clash between his rugged individualism and the urban jungle.

As Walt grows increasingly impatient, he takes matters into his own hands, blurring the lines between law enforcer and vigilante. His search leads through the seedy underbelly of the city, where he encounters nightclub characters and misfits who complicate his mission further. Tensions rise with McElroy as Walt's unconventional methods impede official procedures, escalating an already tense atmosphere. Julie becomes an unlikely ally in helping him navigate the city’s complexities but is concerned about Walt’s disregard for consequences. The quest for Ringerman tests Walt’s resolve and instincts, forcing him to adapt to survive in a city that operates by its own rules while maintaining focus on capturing his target.