INMATE Escapes, Steals Gun—MANHUNT in NC

A North Carolina correctional officer’s tragic death by an inmate seizing a moment of chaos has sparked a debate on prison security protocols.

At a Glance

  • A correctional officer from the Union County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina was fatally shot with his own gun during an inmate’s escape.
  • The officer, identified as Justice “Jus” Racette, 30, was transporting a federal inmate to a medical appointment.
  • The inmate, Kelvin Simmons, 39, allegedly overpowered the officer, shot him, and fled in a stolen minivan.
  • Simmons was captured several hours later following a massive, multi-agency manhunt and a police pursuit.

A Fatal Encounter at a Medical Clinic

A correctional officer in western North Carolina was tragically killed on Monday, June 30, 2025, after a federal inmate he was guarding managed to overpower him, seize his firearm, and shoot him. The deceased officer has been identified as Justice “Jus” Racette, 30, of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred while Officer Racette was transporting inmate Kelvin Simmons, 39, to a medical appointment at a clinic in Monroe, North Carolina. Simmons, who was being held on federal firearms charges, allegedly attacked Racette during the visit, leading to the fatal encounter.

A Manhunt and Capture

After shooting Officer Racette, Simmons fled the scene in a stolen minivan, triggering a massive, multi-agency manhunt. Law enforcement agencies from across the region established a perimeter and tracked the stolen vehicle, which was spotted several hours later.

According to a report from CNN, a police pursuit ensued, ending when Simmons crashed the minivan. He was then taken into custody without further incident.

Questions Over Security Protocols

The tragic death of Officer Racette has left his department devastated and has raised serious questions about the security protocols for transporting federal inmates to outside appointments. In a press conference covered by local news outlet WITN, a visibly emotional Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey mourned the loss of a “fine young man” and vowed that “justice will be served.”

Sheriff Cathey acknowledged that a full internal investigation is underway to review every aspect of the incident, including the procedures for handling inmates during transport and at external facilities. The case serves as a grim reminder of the daily risks faced by correctional officers and the critical importance of stringent security measures.

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