Somerville 'Career Criminal' Arrested For Killing Yarmouth Cop

YARMOUTH, MA — The man accused of fatally shooting a Yarmouth Police officer Thursday afternoon is a career criminal from Somerville with at least 111 charges on his record. Thomas Latanowich, 29, will be charged with the murder of 32-year-old K-9 officer Sean Gannon, authorities said. Gannon was among officers executing a warrant in the Marston Mills area of Barnstable Thursday.

Latanowich was arrested in December for allegedly stabbing a man who had just been released from prison. At the time, Yarmouth Lt. Steven Xiarhos called him a "notorious and violent criminal."

In a statement, Governor Charlie Baker said the state was "heartbroken."

"(Massachusetts) is blessed to have courageous men & women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day," Baker tweeted. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Gannon's police dog was injured during the incident. The animal's condition was unclear as of late Thursday night.

Related:

• Yarmouth Officer Gunned Down In Barnstable
• Cape Cod Police Officer Murder: Massachusetts 'Heartbroken'

Photo of Gannon provided by Gov. Baker's office; Photo of Latanowich by Yarmouth Police