Yarmouth officer fatally shot while serving warrant for firearms violations

A Cape Cod police officer was fatally shot Thursday afternoon while serving a warrant in the village of Marstons Mills in Barnstable.

Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, 32, and his K-9, Nero, were part of a team of officers serving a warrant on a number of firearms violations at a home on Blueberry Lane when the suspect shot the officer in the head, fatally wounding him.

“Sean was a wonderful, wonderful young man,” Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson said. “I’m not just saying that. He, just, the sky was the limit.”

Nero was also wounded, and a source tells Boston 25 News the K-9 is still alive and is being treated at a veterinary hospital.

Dozens of law enforcement officials raced to the scene after the shooting and immediately established a perimeter around the home.

MORE: Tributes pour in for fallen Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon

The suspect, who was identified as 29-year-old Thomas Latanowich, of Somerville, was allegedly hiding in the attic when the shooting occurred and then barricaded himself inside for more than an hour before he was arrested.

Dozens of heavily armed officers filled the neighborhood, which was locked down because of the situation.

As the incident was unfolding, Boston 25 News spoke to neighbors in the community who said they were shocked and saddened to learn what took place.

“I don’t know how someone could do this,” Mikayla Lucyano said. “I don’t know how this could even happen.”

MORE: Suspect accused of killing Yarmouth officer had history of criminal offenses

State Rep. Tim Whelan, a former Massachusetts State Police trooper, spoke about Gannon, who knew him personally.

“Sean Gannon was a man of honor. A hard worker,” he said. “His reputation was absolutely impeccable. The world is a lesser place without him in it. This is going to hurt. This is going to hurt for a lot of us.”

More details about what took place at the home should be released at Latanowich’s murder arraignment on Friday.

MORE: You can contribute to a GoFundMe page for Officer Gannon's family here. 

Cox Media Group