CONTINUING COVERAGE: Accused cop killer makes first court appearance, K9 Nero status updated, candlelight vigil scheduled


BARNSTABLE 04/13/18 Accused murderer Thomas Latanowich is brought into Barnstable District Court on Friday for his arraignment.
Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times pool photo

BARNSTABLE 04/13/18 Police officers fill the courtroom for the arraignment of Thomas Latanowich accused of murdering Yarmouth Police officer Sean Gannon in Barnstable District Court on Friday.
Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times pool photo

BARNSTABLE – The man accused of shooting and killing Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon Thursday afternoon was formally charged with murder in Barnstable District Court Friday morning. Not guilty pleas were entered for Thomas M. Latanowich, 29, whose last known address was in Somerville, MA. He was ordered held without bail and is due back in court June 26th. It was a sea of blue as police officers including Yarmouth officers packed into the courtroom. Security was very tight as the suspect arrived and several people could be heard yelling at him as he was led in:

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Photos by John P. Carroll/CWN

The Yarmouth Police Foundation is the official fund established to accept all donation to help support Fallen K9 Patrol Officer Sean Gannon and his family.

The Yarmouth Police Foundation is a fully established 501c non-profit organization and all donation are tax deductible.

For more information please visit

www.yarmouthpolicefoundation.org

A “go fund me” page has been set up for Officer Gannon’s family:
https://www.gofundme.com/K9OfficerSeanGannon

New audio:

Statement from District Attorney Michael O’Keefe: “Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe and Yarmouth Police Chief Frank
Frederickson announced today that on April 12, 2018 at approximately 2:30 pm officers from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Squad, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Barnstable Police Department arrived at 109 Blueberry Lane in Marstons
Mills to execute an arrest warrant for Thomas Latanowich (DOB 7-14-88), last known address 16 Lee Street, Somerville, MA.

During a sweep of the residence’s attic Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was shot and killed. His K-9 dog was also shot and seriously wounded. After a standoff of some duration, officers were able to make contact with Latanowich via his cellular phone. At approximately 5:30 pm Latanowich exited the residence and was taken into custody. Latanowich was arraigned today in Barnstable District Court on one count of Murder and one count of Mistreating a Police Dog. He was held without bail. His next date in court is 6-26-18 for a probable cause hearing.

The matter continues to be investigated by Barnstable and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office as well as lab techs and crime scene services of the Massachusetts State Police.”

Following the tragic death of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, a Big Brother and mentor of three years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands has released the following statement surrounding his involvement in the organization: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Sean Gannon and extend our condolences to his beloved family, friends and fellow officers. Sean was a dedicated police officer, a vibrant part of the Cape Cod community and a committed volunteer for three years as a Big Brother in our Bigs in Blue program.

Sean was the definition of a community-minded officer. He led by example and always gave of himself to others. Sean’s impact on his Little Brother over the past three years has led him to want to follow in Sean’s footsteps to become a police officer as he grows up. This tragedy has left a hole in the lives of so many, as well as the fabric of the Cape Cod community.

 As a mentor, Sean shared his wisdom, sense of adventure and passion for life with his Little Brother. At this time, we will not be offering any information on Sean’s Little Brother or his family. We are in touch with them currently offering our condolences and support as they too grapple with yesterday’s tragic events and the loss of a man they consider part of their family.

 We will carry Sean’s legacy with us from this day forward and will look to honor the ultimate sacrifice he has made for our community.”

 JR Mell, Regional Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands

Meanwhile Yarmouth Police have updated the condition of K9 Nero who was also hit by the gunfire:

K9 Nero remains alive and we continue to pray for his full recovery as he overcomes a gunshot wound suffered yesterday in an attack that led to the death of his beloved handler Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Officer Sean Gannon.

K9 Nero has survived emergency surgery and is being treated and taken care of by the best medical staff in New England at a location here on Cape Cod.

K9 Nero is under full 24/7 Law Enforcement protection and will remain in the care and control of the Yarmouth Police Department K9 Unit and K9 Units all across New England.

We thank you all for your love and support.

Friday afternoon, Yarmouth Police announced that a candlelight vigil has been planned honoring the loss of Yarmouth Police Department K9 Officer Sean M. Gannon.

This very special event will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 7PM at the Town of Yarmouth 911 Memorial located on the grounds of Yarmouth Police Department Headquarters.

All are welcome and urged to attend as we express of love for Officer Gannon and his family as we grieve together as one.



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