Nationwide — Francisco Paul Flattes, a 56-year-old African American detention officer with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Workplace in Murphy, North Carolina, was shot and killed by an inmate throughout a medical transport. The inmate escaped in a stolen automobile however was later captured after a police chase.
Flattes had escorted the inmate, Kelvin Simmons, 48, to a close-by orthopedic clinic for medical therapy. Sooner or later, a battle broke out, and Simmons grabbed Flattes’ gun and fatally shot him, based on My Fox 8.
After the taking pictures, Simmons bumped into the car parking zone and stole a automotive that had simply pulled in. Authorities say he sped off heading east on U.S. Route 64.
Authorities in Clay County shortly alerted deputies in close by Macon County. Officers situated the automobile and stopped Simmons after a brief standoff. He was taken into custody with out additional accidents. One different officer suffered unrelated accidents and is recovering.
Sheriff Dustin Smith confirmed Simmons will face a first-degree homicide cost. Simmons was already in custody for financial institution theft and an earlier escape in October 2024.
In the meantime, Officer Flattes had labored with the sheriff’s workplace for 4 years and was remembered as a courageous and caring officer. His spouse, who additionally works on the detention middle, and his household mourn his loss.
The sheriff’s workplace and local people are supporting Flattes’ household throughout this troublesome time. A GoFundMe web page has been arrange and has raised practically $11,000 to date.
