Authorities in Tennessee are currently on the hunt for the son of the Nashville police chief, who stands accused of shooting two police officers.
The incident unfolded when two La Vergne police officers were responding to a report of a stolen car at a local Dollar General store. During their confrontation with the suspect, a scuffle broke out, resulting in both officers getting shot.
Chief John Drake of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department issued a statement in which he described his son as "estranged" and expressed his prayers for the wounded officers. He was shocked and deeply saddened by the news, acknowledging minimal contact with his son over many years.
John Drake Jr., aged 38, has a history of criminal activity and is a convicted felon, having distanced himself from his father's life for quite some time. Chief Drake called for his son to be located and held accountable for his actions, urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews explained that the two officers had responded to the Dollar General regarding the stolen car just before 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday. A struggle ensued when they encountered John Drake Jr., leading him to draw a gun and open fire. Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene.
One officer sustained a gunshot wound to the rear left shoulder, while the other was shot in the groin and right forearm. Both officers were transported to the hospital and were reported to be in stable condition. The officer shot in the shoulder had been with the department for nearly three years, while the other had been on the force for about a year and a half.
Initially, residents in the area were advised to shelter-in-place, but that recommendation has since been lifted. La Vergne is situated approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Nashville.
No further details about the shooting have been disclosed at this time.
As per records from the Tennessee Department of Corrections, John Drake Jr. served eight years in prison for rape and is currently on parole. Local NBC affiliate WSMV reports that he has faced criminal charges nearly 60 times since 2005.
John Drake Jr. is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who encounters him is urged to call 911.
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