Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Monday, June 30, 2025
Detention Officer Francisco Flattes was shot and killed by a federal inmate at the Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital at 3990 E. U.S. Highway 64 Alt in Murphy, North Carolina.
Officer Flattes and another officer transported the inmate to a medical appointment when the inmate took Officer Flattes’ gun and mortally wounded him. The inmate fled into the parking lot and drove off after carjacking a vehicle.
Officer Flattes was transported to the local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Another officer was also injured in the scuffle and is recovering.
The inmate was apprehended after a standoff.
Officer Flattes had served with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for four years. He is survived by his wife, who also served with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
