Thursday, 4:30 PM
Ex-boxer among two charged in drug store robbery in Stoughton
By John R. Ellement, Globe staff
Two Norwood men, including a former heavyweight boxer, were arrested today for allegedly robbing a Walgreens drug store in Stoughton, police said.
The suspects were identified by Stoughton police as Robert Perry, 47, of Pleasant street in Norwood and Peter McNeeley, 37, of Rock street in Norwood.
According to Stoughton Police Lt. Thomas Murphy, Perry entered the store on Washington street (Rte. 138) around 1 a.m. appearing nervous as he made his way up and down the aisles.
Perry approached the checkout counter and displayed a black fanny pack and demanded money from a clerk, Murphy said. Money was handed over and Perry demanded money again, police said.
Perry exited the drug store and got into a car waiting in the parking lot, which sped off northbound on Rte. 138, police said.
Alerted by Stoughton police, Canton police pulled over the vehicle at the intersections of Rtes. 138 and 128, police said. McNeeley was driving, police said.
Authorities said witnesses identified Perry and McNeeley and both were arrested. Perry was charged with armed robbery and McNeeley was charged as an accessory after the fact, police said.
Police recovered $180 in cash and the black fanny pack, which also had been stolen from the drug store, police said. No weapon was recovered.
McNeeley was known as "Hurricane'' McNeeley and in 1995, he fought former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
He lasted 89 seconds and was knocked down twice in the first round before being disqualified.
Earlier this year, McNeeley was arrested for allegedly assaulting a bar patron in Norwood. In a 2002 interview with the Globe, McNeeley acknowledged battling alcohol and drug abuse.
Both men were arraigned today in Stoughton District Court.
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