The police chief in Nashville is currently leading a manhunt for his own son, who is suspected of shooting two officers.
Officers in La Vergne, a city approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, were investigating a stolen vehicle outside the Dollar Store on Saturday afternoon when they encountered the suspect. The suspect, identified as John C. Drake Jr, 38, who happens to be the son of John Drake, the Metro Nashville Police Department chief, pulled out a handgun and shot them, according to Christopher Moews, the police chief of LaVergne.
The injured officers were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. One officer was shot twice, in the groin and right forearm, while the other officer was hit in the rear left shoulder. Fortunately, one of the officers was released from the hospital on Saturday night. The other officer, in stable condition, remained in the hospital for observation overnight, confirmed Anne Smith, a spokesman for the city of La Vergne.
Chief Drake issued a statement on Saturday, acknowledging that his son was the suspect in the shooting. He mentioned the estrangement between them, emphasizing that he has had minimal contact with his son over the years. Chief Drake described his son as a convicted felon who had engaged in years of criminal activity.
‘He needs to be found and held accountable’
Expressing the urgency, Chief Drake stated, “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 Investigation announced that a statewide alert had been issued for Mr. Drake, who is wanted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder. The search for Drake involves around a dozen law enforcement agencies.
Following the shooting incident, the La Vergne police ordered residents in the city to shelter in place. However, the shelter order was later lifted as the search for Drake continued, as stated by the department.
In a show of support, Mayor Freddie O’Connell released a statement addressing Chief Drake, his family, and the two wounded LaVergne police officers. The mayor acknowledged that despite their best efforts, including those made during the earlier years, they cannot be held accountable for the actions of family members. Mayor O’Connell expressed his support for Chief Drake during this difficult time.
