Tennessee police are searching for John C. Drake Jr., the estranged son of Nashville’s police chief, who is accused of shooting two officers. The officers are in stable condition, and Drake Jr.’s whereabouts are unknown. His criminal history includes multiple convictions and arrests for various offenses. The public is urged to contact law enforcement if they have any information. Michael Ruiz reported
Tennessee law enforcement is currently in pursuit of John C. Drake Jr., the estranged adult son of Nashville’s esteemed police chief. This individual, who has an extensive criminal history and a lengthy rap sheet, is now being accused of shooting two suburban officers during an investigation into a stolen car on Saturday. The injured officers, identified as Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, are currently in stable condition. As authorities continue to search for Drake Jr., the 38-year-old son of Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake, his whereabouts remain unknown. However, local authorities have lifted the shelter-in-place order in La Vergne, a town located approximately 20 miles southeast of Nashville.
The incident took place outside a Dollar General store in La Vergne, where Drake Jr. allegedly brandished a gun during a struggle with the officers around 2:30 p.m. According to the police, he proceeded to shoot both officers, one in the back and the other multiple times. In response to the situation, Chief John Drake released a statement expressing his disappointment in his son’s criminal activities and emphasized the need for him to be held accountable for his actions. He urged anyone with information about his son’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.
The manhunt for Drake Jr. entered its second day on Monday. He is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, with a muscular build, dreadlocks, and facial hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black T-shirt with a white hockey mask emblem on the front and gray pants. Authorities have classified him as armed and dangerous, and he was last seen traveling northbound on Stones River Road.
Following the shooting, the La Vergne Police Department advised residents of Lake Forest to stay indoors and lock their doors until early Monday morning. However, they assured the public that there was no immediate threat. In their statement posted on Facebook, they urged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Drake Jr.’s criminal record dates back to 2005 and consists of numerous prior arrests. As reported by WSMV-TV, he has been convicted of rape in 2009 and has faced three additional sex offense charges over the past decade. His record also includes charges of domestic violence, assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and evading arrest. Additionally, he has been arrested multiple times for violating the state’s sex offender registry.
Authorities are urging anyone who encounters Drake Jr. or notices anything suspicious to contact the police. Fortunately, at least one of the injured officers has been released from the hospital..