A quiet day turned into a nightmare in Cherokee County, North Carolina, when a federal inmate overpowered two jail officers, shot one of them, stole a car, and led police on a dangerous chase across several counties.
What Happened During the Incident
On Monday, 48-year-old Kelvin Simmons, a federal inmate, was taken by two detention officers, Francisco Flattes and George Fienauer, to a medical appointment at an orthopedic clinic. While at the clinic, Simmons somehow managed to overpower the officers. He grabbed Officer Flattes’ gun and shot him with it, according to Sheriff Dustin Smith.
Escape and Carjacking
After the shooting, Simmons ran out into the parking lot and hijacked a black Chevy car that had just arrived. He forced the driver out at gunpoint and fled the scene. A 911 caller from inside the clinic reported hearing gunshots in the lobby and saw Simmons holding someone hostage before escaping.
The Police Chase Across Counties
Simmons led police officers and the North Carolina Highway Patrol on a long chase that stretched from Cherokee County through Clay County and into Macon County, nearly an hour away. He was finally stopped and arrested after a short standoff by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Tragic Loss of a Dedicated Officer
Officer Francisco Flattes, 56, died from his injuries. He was a respected member of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. His wife, who also works for the department, and their children and grandchildren are now mourning his sudden death. Officer Fienauer was also injured during the struggle but is expected to recover.
Inmate Was Already Facing Serious Charges
Simmons was already in jail on federal bank robbery charges and was awaiting trial for an earlier escape attempt in October. Now, he will also face first-degree murder charges, along with other new charges related to Monday’s deadly events.
Community in Shock
Sheriff Smith called it the hardest day of his career, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Officer Flattes. “We are all mourning the loss of Francisco and doing everything we can to support each other and his family,” he said.
A Small County Shaken
Cherokee County, a small rural area with a population of about 30,000, sits on the western edge of North Carolina near the Tennessee border. Events like this are rare in the close-knit community, making the tragedy even harder to bear.
This heartbreaking incident has shaken the Cherokee County community. A federal inmate’s violent escape attempt led to the loss of a devoted officer, the trauma of a carjacking victim, and a dangerous high-speed chase. As the investigation continues, new charges are expected against Simmons. The Sheriff’s Office and community are standing together in grief and support, vowing to remember and honour Officer Flattes for his bravery and service.
