Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Monday, June 30, 2025

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Francisco Paul Flattes

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, four daughters, two sons, and 15 grandchildren.

Bio

Age 56
Tour 4 years
Badge 904

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's weapon
Offender In custody

convicted felon, escape, prisoner custody, transport

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A Prayer for a Suffering Family, Friends, and Comrades of a Fallen American Peace Officer:

Lord God of unfailing love, to those families in our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of an American Peace Officer family member, help us to provide encouragement, support, and hope. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, please hear my prayer. In the mighty and holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.

[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 CSB)

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 28, 2025