Ernie causes headaches for Jake Rizzo when he brings home a drifter who is wanted by the police. Ernie (Ernie Reyes Jr.) saves a raggedy stranger from a pair of toughs, then brings him home.

Ernie thwarts a robbery in a parking lot, garnering local news attention. El DeBarge is impressed and invites the youngster to feature in a music video. Meanwhile, a shady promoter views this as an opportunity to settle his debts with a loan shark.

Ernie feels threatened when Rizzo becomes romantically involved with a beautiful attorney who exhibits little interest in children.