Pair of Canton Men Arrested for Breaking into Stoughton Residence

Two Canton men were arrested last Thursday for allegedly breaking into a Stoughton residence and then fleeing from the scene when police arrived.

But, both were caught not far from the break-in and were arraigned at on Monday.

Dominique Purvis, 18, of Andrea Dr. in Canton, and Brian Matthews, 17, of Bailey Court in Canton, kicked in the back door at 2081 Central St. in Stoughton Thursday afternoon around 2:30 p.m.

The two then hid behind a fence waiting to see if there was a response before entering the home, Stoughton Police Executive Officer Robert Devine said.

Purvis and Matthews didn’t hear or see a response to indicate anyone was home, but the homeowner was in fact there. She “smartly stayed in the house and called 9-1-1,” Devine said.

The two fled from the scene when police arrived a short time later. One of the suspects was caught on Wheeler Circle, while the other was caught on Ethyl Way, Devine said. Both streets are in close proximity to the alleged break-in.

Purvis and Matthews were both charged with attempted breaking and entering, vandalizing property and conspiracy. Devine said Matthews also damaged his cell at the .

Stoughton Police officers Sandra Barrett and Jennifer Sullivan, Detectives Roger Hardy and Jim O'Connor, and Sgt. Paul McCallum responded to the scene and are credited with thwarting this attempted break-in.