BEVERLY (AP) — Beverly police say friends and family have spoken to an officer who was shot by another officer and that his condition appears to be improving.
Police said on their Facebook page Sunday that friends and family have spoken to Officer Jason Lantych and he appears to be doing OK. The department says he still has a long way to go.
Lantych had arranged to meet with an off-duty sergeant from another town the night the sergeant shot him multiple times, fled the scene and returned later to commit suicide, authorities said Saturday.
Hamilton Sgt. Ken Nagy and Lantych had agreed to meet at the Starbucks in Beverly on Friday night before Nagy shot Lanytch in the leg and wrist, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.
It wasn't immediately clear why they were meeting.
Authorities launched a manhunt for Nagy and warned residents that should be considered armed and dangerous. The 43-year-old Nagy returned to the scene about five hours after the initial shooting and fatally shot himself in the head as officers approached him.
Nagy, a 19-year veteran of the Hamilton Police Department, had been promoted to sergeant last summer.
"He was a great police officer, a good investigator and well-liked by the community," Hamilton Police Chief Russell Stevens said. "He will be greatly missed."
Beverly police Chief Mark Ray said Nagy's wife, Katie, had been working as a domestic violence advocate with the Beverly Police Department through a grant.
The 35-year-old Lantych underwent emergency surgery Friday night and is recovering, Ray said. Authorities said several Starbucks patrons who provided medical attention to Lanytch saved his life.
The Beverly Police Department Facebook page had this statement:
"The Beverly Police would like to thank everyone for their support and kind wishes. We are grateful to the citizens on scene last night, who's disregard for their own safety and quick action, saved Officer Lantych's life. Chief Ray has spoke to Officer Lantych, who is on the road to recovery. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lantych and Nagy families and we ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Full statement from DA, police.
Lantych, a 10-year veteran of the Beverly Police Department, had worked as a school resource officer.
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