N.C. Sheriff's Deputy Killed by Inmate During Medical Transport

A North Carolina deputy was killed Monday while transporting an inmate, who then led authorities on a multi-county pursuit.

Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Francisco Flattes, 56, was one of two deputies taking an inmate—identified as Kelvin Simmons—to a doctor's appointment at a hospital when Simmons began struggling with his escorts, WYFF reports. Simmons was able to get a hold of Flattes' gun, and he fatally shot the deputy.

Simmons then escaped custody and carjacked a vehicle outside the hospital. He led police on a three-county chase before he was finally apprehended by authorities after a brief standoff.

The other deputy escorting Simmons was not hurt in the incident. No hospital staff were injured in the incident, as well.

Simmons had been incarcerated for bank robbery, and he had a history of escape attempts. He now faces a count of first-degree murder, and more charges are expected, prosecutors.

Flattes is survived by a wife, who worked with him at the Cherokee County Detention Facility, and a son-in-law, who also was a deputy. A memorial has been started for the deputy outside the detention center.

A memorial is growing outside the Cherokee County Detention Facility for the deputy killed in the line of duty.

“This individual is going to be charged with 1 count of first degree murder, and we anticipate that more charges will be forthcoming,” Ashley Hornsby Welch, the district attorney handling the case, said.