Slain Cape Cod Police Officer's Dog 'Stable' After Shooting

YARMOUTH, MA — A police dog shot in Barnstable Thursday is recovering after reportedly being shot in the face and neck. The dog's handler, Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon, 32, was killed in the shooting. The dog, Nero, was also shot. Police said Nero was in stable condition Friday morning at a Cape Cod hospital.

The gunman was identified by police as Thomas Latanowich, a career criminal with more than 100 charges on his record. Police said Latanowich shot Gannon and his dog as officers executed a search warrant at a Barnstable residence.

Nero survived emergency surgery and was stable Friday.

"We continue to pray for his full recovery," Yarmouth police said in a statement.

Latanowich pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in Barnstable District Court, where a crowd gathered and heckled him. He was held without bail.

Gannon, who volunteered with a Cape Cod Big Brothers Big Sisters group, left behind a wife. A fundraiser was established for her:

• GoFundMe: Yarmouth K-9 Officer Sean Gannon

Related:

• Cape Cod Police Officer Gunned Down
• Cape Cod Police Officer Murder: Massachusetts 'Heartbroken'
• Cape Cod Police Officer Sean Gannon 'Epitome of Kindness'
• Somerville 'Career Criminal' Arrested For Killing Yarmouth Cop
• Cape Cod Career Criminal (111 Priors) Arrested in Stabbing: PD

Photo: Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in Barnstable April 12, 2018. Also pictured is his dog Nero. (Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)