A Cherokee County detention officer was killed Monday afternoon during an inmate transport at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.
At a press conference livestreamed by the Cherokee Scout on Monday afternoon, Sheriff Dustin Smith confirmed that Detention Officer Francisco Flattes had been killed.
“This is one of the worst days of my career. This is a tough day for law enforcement and Cherokee County ” he said.
Smith said that Kelvin Simmons, a federal inmate, was being taken to a medical appointment at an orthopedic office inside the hospital.
He said the suspect overpowered Flattes and took control of his’ weapon. Flattes’ was shot and Officer George Feinauer was also injured in the struggle, according to a press release shared by the Murphy Mayor’s Office.
Flattes was rushed to the hospital’s emergency department and was later pronounced dead.
Officials say that the Simmons stole a car from the hospital parking lot and later was captured in Macon County.
District Attorney Ashley Welch announced during the press conference that Simmons will be charged with first-degree murder. Welch said she anticipates more charges.
Simmons previously escaped from the Cherokee County Detention Center in October 2024 by climbing over a fence, according to a press release. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently settled a $10 million case also involving the Cherokee Indian Police Department SWAT team.
Murphy Mayor Tim Radford and Andrews Mayor James Reid announced Monday evening that the flags at both Town Halls will be lowered to half-staff.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire community,” Radford said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Officer Flattes’ family, friends, and the entire law enforcement family.”
Reid agreed.
“We are united in grief and gratitude for Officer Flattes’ service,” Reid said in a statement. “Lowering the flags is a small but meaningful way to honor his sacrifice.”
