BARNSTABLE, Mass. — A man charged with killing a Massachusetts police officer serving an arrest warrant was held without bail during a brief arraignment Friday.
Thomas Latanowich, 29, hung his head throughout the appearance in Barnstable District Court, speaking only to answer “yes” when the judge asked if he understood the proceedings.
Not guilty pleas to charges including murder were entered on his behalf, and the judge said she would appoint a lawyer to represent him. His next court date was scheduled for June 26.
Latanowich, described by police as a violent career criminal, shot Yarmouth K-9 officer Sean Gannon, 32, on Thursday while he and other officers were serving an arrest warrant for an alleged probation violation at a home in Barnstable on Cape Cod, police said. According to Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe, Latanowich’s last known address was in Somerville, outside Boston.
Gannon was taken to Cape Cod Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Gannon’s dog, Nero, was also shot. Dennis Veterinary Hospital posted on Facebook that Nero was shot in the face and neck but has been stabilized and faces surgery Friday, although he is “not out of the woods.”
The loss of Gannon has stunned the picturesque community of Yarmouth, right next to Barnstable.
“Sean, remarkable young man. We refer to him as the Tom Brady of the Yarmouth Police Department,” Chief Frank Frederickson said outside of court. “He’s gone. He died doing what he loved. He’s going to be sorely missed.”
An eight-year veteran of the force, Gannon was married and a graduate of both Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth and Westfield State University.
Republican Gov. Charlie Baker ordered all U.S. and state flags on state buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of Gannon.
Latanowich has been charged with more than 100 crimes in Massachusetts, according to court records, and has served time behind bars. Many of the charges were later dismissed.