A tragic and chaotic event unfolded in Cherokee County, North Carolina, this week when federal inmate Kelvin Simmons, 48, allegedly stole a jail officer’s gun, shot and killed the officer, hijacked a vehicle, and led law enforcement on a multi-county chase.
The Fatal Incident at the Medical Clinic
On Monday, Simmons was brought to an orthopedic clinic in Cherokee County by two detention officers, Francisco Flattes, 56, and George Fienauer, for undisclosed medical treatment.
During the visit, Simmons reportedly overpowered the officers, seized Flattes’ gun, and shot him with it, Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith confirmed.
After the shooting, Simmons fled the clinic and jumped into a vehicle that had just arrived in the parking lot. The stolen car was the start of a violent escape that would lead to a pursuit across multiple counties.
The Chase and Capture
Simmons’ escape triggered a wide-scale manhunt as he led authorities on a chase through several counties, including Clay and Macon counties.
Deputies and the North Carolina Highway Patrol pursued Simmons for about an hour before he was eventually stopped in Macon County. Following a brief standoff, Simmons was apprehended by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Officer Flattes Dies, Further Charges Expected
Officer Flattes, who was shot during the altercation, succumbed to his injuries. Sheriff Smith expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the officer, saying, “This is the hardest day of my career. 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.”
Fienauer, the second officer involved in the altercation, also sustained injuries but was not shot. Simmons, who was already in jail on bank robbery charges, will face first-degree murder charges, with additional charges expected related to the escape attempt he was allegedly involved in last October.
911 Call Provides Details of the Rampage
A 911 call from the clinic at the time of the altercation offers insight into the violent situation. In the call, a dispatcher learns that Simmons, who was identified as wearing a gray jumpsuit, had a gun and was reportedly “shooting off in the lobby.”
The caller then reported that Simmons had taken a hostage and was attempting to flee the scene. Moments later, the caller confirmed that Simmons had hijacked a black Chevy car and was driving away.
A Community in Mourning
Simmons’ violent actions have left a community reeling. Officer Flattes, who had dedicated his life to serving in law enforcement, leaves behind his wife, who also works for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, along with children and grandchildren.
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
Simmons, who was being held on charges of bank robbery, is now facing additional charges for the murder of Officer Flattes and other related crimes. Authorities are still investigating the full extent of his actions, and more charges are expected to be filed soon.
