North Carolina : It is with profound sorrow and outrage that we mourn the loss of Detention Officer Francisco Flattes, who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty while performing his responsibilities with unwavering courage. Officer Flattes, 56, was escorting a federal inmate to a medical appointment at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in North Carolina when the unthinkable occurred.
According to law enforcement reports, Officer Flattes and his colleague, Officer George Feinauer, were supervising an inmate identified as Simmons during a routine medical transport. At some point during the appointment, a violent struggle ensued. In the chaos, Simmons managed to overpower Officer Flattes, seize his firearm, and open fire. Officer Flattes was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Officer Feinauer sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation.
Following the brutal attack, Simmons fled the hospital grounds, stole a vehicle, and attempted to evade capture. A massive manhunt quickly followed, involving multiple law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service. Simmons was located and taken into custody in Macon County, NC, shortly after his escape.
The loss of Officer Flattes is an immeasurable tragedy for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, where he had served honorably for the past four years. His commitment to service extended beyond this role, having previously dedicated a decade to the Florida Department of Corrections, as well as serving in various other law enforcement capacities throughout his career.
Sheriff Smith, visibly shaken by the news, paid tribute to Officer Flattes’ legacy:
“Officer Flattes was a man of honor, integrity, and heart. He was a good man who never failed his duty. His wife works alongside us at the detention center, and his son-in-law is one of our deputies. This loss is deeply personal to all of us, and it has shattered our hearts.”
Officer Flattes gave his life serving his community with dignity and selflessness. He embodied the values that define the best of law enforcement—courage under pressure, unwavering commitment to duty, and compassion for those he served. His death is not only a tragedy for his family and agency but a painful reminder of the ever-present dangers law enforcement officers face each day.
To his wife, family, colleagues, and the broader law enforcement community: we stand with you in your grief. We honor the life and legacy of Officer Francisco Flattes, and we promise—his name will never be forgotten.
STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!
Enough is enough. Our men and women in uniform deserve safety, respect, and the right to return home at the end of their shift.
Officer Flattes, your watch has ended. We will take it from here.
Rest in peace, hero. 🖤💙🖤