The line-of-duty death of Detention Officer Francisco Flattes of the Cherokee County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office saddened the region last week after an inmate gunned him down to escape custody.
Flattes, of Hayesville, North Carolina, ended his watch on Monday, June 30, at the age of 56. He led a distinguished career with service in multiple law enforcement agencies and leaves behind a grieving family and community.
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The alleged shooter, a federal inmate named Kelvin Simmons who was being housed at the Cherokee County Detention Center in connection with multiple bank robberies, was apprehended following a brief chase.
Simmons, 48, has been charged with first-degree murder, and additional are charges pending.
On the afternoon of June 30, Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith held a news conference about the fatal shooting, chase and apprehension from earlier that day.
“Francisco was shot today at Murphy Medical Center (Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital) facilities here in Cherokee County,” Sheriff Smith said. “There was an inmate that was transported to Murphy Medical Center for treatment.
“While there, there was a scuffle, and during that scuffle, the inmate (overpowered the officers and) took the detention officer’s weapon and shot the detention officer. The detention officer was transported to Murphy Medical Center and was pronounced deceased.”
Sheriff Smith recounted how, after firing on Flattes, Simmons fled to the facility parking lot and stole a vehicle from someone who was just arriving at the hospital.
“He drove away and was later spotted in Clay County, North Carolina,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “A pursuit was initiated by the North Carolina Highway Patrol assisted by Cherokee County, Clay County and continued into Macon County, where Macon assisted the chase.
“There, the suspect’s vehicle was disabled by Capt. David Williams of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Following a brief standoff, Simmons was taken into custody by Macon County Sheriff’s Office”
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch of North Carolina’s 43rd Prosecutorial District relayed Kelvin’s charges in the press conference while noting that “the State Bar Ethics Rules only allow me to say so much” regarding suspects who have been charged.
“We have also been in contact with the United States Attorney’s Office, and I do believe that charges will likely be coming from them as well – we both have jurisdiction,” Welch said.
A representative of Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, Administrator and Associate Chief Nurse Teresa Bowleg, also addressed the press conference.
“We are saddened by the tragic events that occurred today at Erlanger Orthopaedics Office in Murphy, North Carolina, involving the fatal incident between a law enforcement officer and an inmate in custody,” Bowleg said. “Our thoughts are with the fallen officer’s family, colleagues and those impacted.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of our patients, visitors and staff. While this heartbreaking incident appears isolated, we are working with local authorities to ensure our campus is safe for everyone.
“Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and the families involved, we will not be providing further details. Any additional inquiries on the investigation should be directed to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Simmons was awaiting trial for a previous escape attempt from October 2024, when he climbed over the Detention Center fence.
Due to his attempted escape last year, two officers were sent to escort Simmons to a specialist appointment for a foot complaint that Monday. The second detention officer was not shot but did sustain injuries during the violent altercation and is recovering, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Calling June 30 “the hardest day of my career,” Sheriff Smith is asking that everyone “pray for our office, for Officer Flattes’ family.”
“We are all mourning the loss of Francisco and doing everything we can to support each other and the family and loved ones of Officer Flattes,” Sheriff Smith said.
Nonprofit “Back The Blue NC” has sponsored a GoFundMe campaign, which can be found by searching the charitable-giving website for “Benefit for the Family of Cherokee Co. NC Officer Flattes.”
“Officer Flattes served the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office with honor and integrity for the past four years,” the campaign reads. “A dedicated public servant and family man, he leaves behind a loving wife – who also works at the Cherokee County Detention Center – and a son-in-law who continues to serve with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
“Their grief is compounded by the nature of his loss: an unthinkable act of violence while fulfilling his sworn duty.
“Officer Flattes dedicated his life to public safety and had a long history of service, including: the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians; the Clay County Sheriff’s Office; the Florida Department of Children and Families; and over 10 years with the Florida Department of Corrections.
“This fund has been created to support Officer Flattes’ grieving family as they navigate the days ahead without their husband, father, and hero. All donations will help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses, lost income, and the many unforeseen costs that come with such a sudden and devastating tragedy.
“At a time when words are not enough, let us show this family that they are not alone – that the law enforcement community and the citizens they serve are standing beside them.
“100% of proceeds will be delivered directly to the surviving family members by Back The Blue NC, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring fallen officers and supporting their families.”
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
