Armed Robbery Suspect Captured in Cellar After Pistol-Whipping Norwood Clothing Store Owner-September 30, 1964

A 37-year-old Natick television repairman accused of pistol-whipping an elderly Norwood clothing store owner during a brazen midday holdup attempt was ordered held in $10,000 bail today following his arraignment in Dedham District Court.

Midday Struggle at Ronan Clothing Company

Robert D. Langevin of 10 Massachusetts Avenue, Natick—a married father of two—was captured at gunpoint by a Norwood patrolman hiding in the cellar of the Ronan Clothing Company at 668 Washington Street.

Appearing in court today, Langevin pleaded guilty to charges of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon—specifically a .22-caliber revolver. Judge Gilbert W. Cox continued the case to October 9 to assign a public defender, remanding Langevin to the Dedham Jail after he was unable to post the $10,000 bail.

According to Norwood Police Chief James M. Murphy, nothing was stolen during the abortive robbery, and no shots were fired. However, a violent struggle ensued when Langevin, who had entered the store shortly before 2 p.m. asking to look at merchandise while the owner was alone, suddenly turned on him.

The store owner, 61-year-old John Rapolas of West Roxbury, told police he turned around and was immediately struck several times on the head with the butt of the gunman’s pistol. Despite his injuries, Rapolas fought back, managed to disarm his assailant, and swung wildly at the suspect with a length of iron pipe.

Dramatic Street Scene and Arrest

When Langevin attempted to flee through a rear door at 43 Tremont Street, he found it locked and bolted downstairs into the building’s cellar.

Meanwhile, a bleeding Rapolas rushed out into Washington Street, shouting for help: “Help, help! He tried to rob me and he’s got a gun!”

Witness William McCoy, 28, who was passing by at the time, intervened to calm the highly incensed store owner. According to McCoy, he wrestled the iron pipe away from Rapolas, who then promptly picked up a hammer before McCoy and another unidentified passerby succeeded in restraining him.

Nearby on-duty Patrolman Frank Walsh rushed to the scene after receiving calls from employees in adjacent stores. Directed by Rapolas to the basement, Patrolman Walsh entered the cellar and arrested Langevin at gunpoint without a struggle, ordering the suspect to place his hands over his head.

Later in the afternoon, Langevin was taken to Norwood Hospital for identification by Rapolas, who received outpatient treatment for head cuts and possible skull injuries before being released. Police also recovered the suspect’s vehicle, a 1964 Oldsmobile, parked near the store and towed it to the police station.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger