A chilling and tragic event unfolded this week when a federal inmate, Kelvin Simmons, stole a jail officer’s gun, shot and killed him, and then led authorities on a dangerous multi-county chase across North Carolina.
The incident, which occurred at a medical clinic, left one law enforcement officer dead and another injured. The ensuing manhunt ended in a brief standoff, but Simmons now faces severe charges, including first-degree murder.
The Shooting Incident at the Clinic
On Monday, Kelvin Simmons, 48, was taken to an orthopedic clinic in Cherokee County, North Carolina, by two detention officers, Francisco Flattes and George Fienauer. Simmons, who was already incarcerated on bank robbery charges and had attempted an escape last year, was at the clinic for an undisclosed medical treatment.
However, during the visit, Simmons reportedly overpowered the officers and stole Officer Flattes’ gun. He then shot Flattes with it, leaving the officer gravely injured.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Flattes, 56, later died from his wounds. Officer Fienauer also sustained injuries in the altercation, but they were not from gunfire.
The Escape and Carjacking
After the shooting, Simmons fled the clinic and ran into the parking lot, where he hijacked a black Chevy vehicle that had just arrived. He then led law enforcement on a high-speed chase that took him through Clay County and Macon County.
Deputies and the North Carolina Highway Patrol pursued Simmons for about an hour, until he was eventually stopped.
A brief standoff ensued before Simmons was taken into custody by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Charges
Following his arrest, the authorities confirmed that Simmons would be charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Officer Flattes. In addition to the murder charge, Simmons faces other charges related to his escape and the violent altercation.
The sheriff noted that Simmons had already been awaiting trial for previous escape attempts and robbery charges.
A 911 Call Offers Details
A 911 call from the medical facility provides a haunting account of the chaos that unfolded. The caller informed the dispatcher that Simmons, identified as the patient in a gray jumpsuit, had a gun and was firing shots inside the lobby.
As the situation escalated, the caller stated that Simmons had taken a hostage and was attempting to carjack a woman in the parking lot.
The incident shocked the small community of Cherokee County, which has a population of around 30,000. Local authorities are mourning the loss of Officer Flattes, who leaves behind a wife, children, and grandchildren, with many of his colleagues and loved ones grieving his tragic death.
The Aftermath: A Devastating Loss
Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith expressed the emotional toll of the incident, calling it “the hardest day of my career.” He offered his condolences to Officer Flattes’ family, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another in the wake of such a devastating loss.
Simmons, who was already incarcerated for a prior crime, now faces a long list of charges in connection to this violent and tragic event.
The details of his escape, the murder of Officer Flattes, and the subsequent manhunt highlight the dangerous nature of Simmons’ actions and the severe consequences he will likely face in the legal system.
The tragic death of Officer Francisco Flattes serves as a painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. In this case, a routine medical visit quickly turned into a deadly situation, leaving a family and community in mourning.
As Simmons faces charges for his violent actions, the impact of this incident will be felt for years to come, both in the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the wider community.
