Escaped Inmate Kills Detention Officer and Wounds Another

CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC – An inmate escaped after shooting a Cherokee County Detention Center Officer and wounding another while at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital facility Monday afternoon, June 30.

Cherokee County Detention Center Officer Francisco Flattes and Officer George Feinauer were transporting a Federal inmate, Kelvin Simmons to the orthopedic office when the tragedy occurred.

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith, an altercation occurred when Simmons stole Flattes’ gun and shot and killed him with it.

Officer Franciso was not shot but did receive injuries that he is currently recovering from.

After shooting Flattes, Simmons fled in a stolen vehicle, leading officers on a high-speed chase through three counties.

Simmons was finally apprehended on Highway 64W after a brief standoff.

He was transferred to the hospital with a minor foot injury.

Sheriff Dustin Smith stated that he had tried to escape previously in October 2024 and that is why he was escorted to the doctor with two deputies instead of one.

Simmons has a decorated criminal history.

He is charged with multiple crimes regarding bank robberies in five North Carolina counties.

District Attorney, Ashley Hornsby Welch, said that Simmons will be charged with first-degree murder and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is also considering charges.