Detention Officer Killed by Inmate, NC & US Flags Ordered Half-Staff by Governor

North Carolina --  In remembrance of Cherokee Sheriff Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes, who was slain Monday while performing his duties, Governor Josh Stein issued an order directing all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state institutions to be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset today, July 1.  

Officer Flattes had been with the Cherokee County Sheriff Department for four years.

Statement from Governor Stein 

“I was deeply saddened to learn of Francisco Paul Flattes’ tragic murder. Our law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty to keep us safe, and tragically yesterday Detention Officer Flattes paid the ultimate price. I am grateful to Western North Carolina law enforcement and the Highway Patrol for their quick response. Anna and I are praying for his family and community as they grieve his loss. May his memory be a blessing.”

Authorities have released new information after a detention deputy died during an inmate's escape attempt in North Carolina.

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith, on Monday afternoon, two detention officers escorted a federal inmate to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital just outside of Murphy for an orthopedic doctor's appointment.

While in the medical facility, the inmate, 48-year-old Kelvin Simmons, got into a scuffle with the detention officers and managed to take one of the detention officer's weapons and shoot detention officer 56-year-old Francisco Paul Flattes.

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

Francisco Paul Flatt Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

WNCTimes

WNCTimes Cover Image Ai Generated