Dramatic Escape Turns Fatal in North Carolina

In a shocking turn of events, a federal inmate escaped custody in North Carolina on Monday, leading to the tragic death of a detention officer. The inmate, Kelvin Simmons, managed to seize the officer's weapon during a scuffle at a medical clinic, ultimately taking the life of Officer Francisco Paul Flattes.

After shooting Flattes, Simmons fled the scene by stealing a vehicle and driving to another county. The daring escape sparked a multi-county manhunt that ended with his capture nearly an hour later in Macon County. Sheriff's personnel confirmed that Simmons will face charges of first-degree murder.

The fallen officer was a dedicated member of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, with his wife also employed at the county's detention facility. Sheriff Dustin Smith expressed the profound sorrow felt by the department, describing the day as one of the worst in his career.

(With inputs from agencies.)