Police Arrest Suspect in November Robbery, Stabbing

Newport Police on Tuesday arrested a 21-year-old Providence man in connection with the November robbery and stabbing of a Middletown man on a path behind the Connell Highway Walmart.

Police said Xavier Vaughn Perry, 21, of 90 Douglas Ave., Providence, was charged with first-degree robbery, felony assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his alleged involvement in the November incident, which sent the Middletown man to the hospital for multiple stab wounds.

Perry was initially detained by Middletown police at around 1:40 a.m. in their town during an unrelated investigation into a missing juvenile.

Perry was wanted by police for allegedly stabbing and stealing more than $500 from the victim. He became a suspect after a lengthy investigation that began after officers were dispatched to the area behind Walmart on Nov. 26 for a report of a fight.

Police found the victim on the ground with a stab wound to the shoulder and side. He was transported to the hospital and later told police that he was carrying about $500 cash when he was jumped by a group of men.

Police said the victim was targeted because he is known to gamble and routinely carried large sums of money.