'The Massachusetts Criminal Justice System Has Let Us Down'

YARMOUTH, MA — Yarmouth police questioned why a career criminal with 125 charges on his record was out on the community after he allegedly shot and killed an officer in Barnstable Thursday. Thomas Latanowich, 29, of Somerville, was charged with murdering Yarmouth police K-9 Officer Sean Gannon, 32. Latanowich also shot Gannon's police dog, which survived, officials said.

Gannon was among a group of officers who raided a Barnstable home in Marstons Mills to arrest Gannon on a probation violation. The violation was in relation to him allegedly failing to take a drug test in relation to a gun case, according to the Boston Globe.

Gannon and his dog, Nero, were searching the attic when Latanowich popped out and opened fire, officials said. Latanowich barricaded himself in the residence but surrendered after a few hours. He pleaded not guilty to murder and mistreating a police dog.

In a statement, Yarmouth police called Latanowich a "coward."

"The attack stunned us and brought us to our knees," police added. "The Massachusetts Criminal Justice System has let us down and failed to protect our community."

Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe was asked why Latanowich was out in the community.

“People get sentenced, people finish their sentence, they get out," O'Keefe told WHDH.

One of Latanowich's most recent arrests was in 2016 when police said he stalked a man and stabbed him.

Gannon left behind a wife. A fundraiser was established for her.

Police said Gannon was a model officer and the "epitome of kindness and selflessness." His wake is Tuesday in Yarmouth.

Previous:

• Cape Cod Police Officer Gunned Down
• Shot Cape Cod Police Dog Recovering, 'Standing Strong'
• Cape Cod Police Officer Sean Gannon 'Epitome of Kindness'
• Cape Cod Police Officer Murder: Massachusetts 'Heartbroken'
• Somerville 'Career Criminal' Arrested For Killing Yarmouth Cop
• Accused Massachusetts Cop Killer Pleads Not Guilty
• Cape Cod Career Criminal (111 Priors) Arrested in Stabbing: PD

Photo credit: dignitymemorial.com