The estranged son of Nashville police chief John Christopher Drake is accused of shooting two officers outside of a Dollar General in a Nashville suburb.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that my estranged son, with whom I have had very minimal contact over many years, is the suspect in this afternoon’s shooting of the two La Vergne police officers,” the elder Drake said in a statement.
The Police Chief of La Vergne, Christopher Moews, said during a press conference that the officers were pursuing a possible stolen vehicle and attempting to question Drake, who pulled out a handgun and shot the two officers during a struggle.
One officer was struck in the left shoulder. The other was shot in the right groin and right shoulder. At press time, both men were at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center where they were listed in stable condition.
“Despite my efforts and guidance in the early and teenage years, my son, John Drake Jr., now 38 years old, resorted to years of criminal activity and is a convicted felon,” Drake Sr. explained. “He has not been a part of my life for quite some time. He now needs to be found and held accountable for his actions today. I hope that anyone who sees him or has information about him will contact law enforcement immediately.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations issued a statement announcing a Blue Alert for Drake Jr. following the shooting.
“Drake is 38 y/o. He’s 5’11”, weighs 195 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes,” according to the statement. “He was last seen in LaVergne in the area of Stones River Road near Lake Forest Drive, wearing back t-shirt with hockey mask graphic.”
RELATED CONTENT: Aderrien Murry Sang ‘No Weapon’ After Being Shot By Mississippi Police Officer