Nashville Police Chief's Son at Large for Shooting 2 Tennessee Suburban Cops

(Photo : JOHN AMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Nashville Police Chief John Drake speaks during a public vigil to honor victims and survivors of a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, March 29, 2023. - The 28-year-old who shot dead six people at an elementary school in Nashville was able to buy and conceal multiple weapons in the family home despite evidence of mental health issues, police said March 28, 2023. Two nine-year-old girls, a nine-year-old boy, two teachers and a school custodian died in the Monday attack, which recharged the bitter debate over gun rights in the United States.

Authorities in Tennessee are currently engaged in a search for the estranged son of Nashville's police chief.

This comes after the chief's son was identified as the prime suspect in the shooting of two police officers outside a Dollar General store. The incident occurred on Saturday, and the search for the suspect is ongoing, as per The New York Times.

Manhunt for Nashville Police Chief's Estranged Son After Shooting

John Drake Jr., a man currently sought by authorities on two charges of attempted first-degree murder, is issuing a warning to the public, urging them to perceive him as "armed and extremely dangerous."

The suspect's addition to the agency's "most wanted" list has thrown the state into a frantic search. Even more startling is the revelation that the suspect is the estranged son of Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake, a disclosure that has left the chief shocked and deeply saddened.

Chief Drake expressed his sorrow over his son's involvement in the shooting, noting that he had minimal contact with him for many years. He revealed that John Drake Jr., now 38 years old, had resorted to years of criminal activity and is a convicted felon, adding that he has not been a part of his life for quite some time.

The shooting occurred during an altercation on a Saturday night in La Vergne, a suburb of Nashville. Officers from the La Vergne Police Department were investigating a stolen vehicle when they made contact with the suspect.

A struggle ensued, leading to the suspect producing a handgun and firing shots. One officer was shot in the shoulder, while the other was shot in the groin and forearm. Both officers, who have been with the force for less than three years, were rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Fortunately, one officer was released on Saturday evening, and the other remains stable.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation described John Drake Jr. as a 5'11" tall individual weighing 195 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, according to CNN.

Intensive Search in La Vergne for Fugitive Suspect

The suspect was last seen in La Vergne, and he was reportedly wearing a black t-shirt with a hockey mask on it featuring red accents and gray sweatpants. The city of La Vergne issued a shelter-in-place order for most of Saturday night as law enforcement agencies embarked on an intensive search for the fugitive suspect.

However, this order was lifted shortly after midnight as there was no immediate threat to the public. To aid in the search for John Drake Jr., a reward of $2,500 has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

Chief John Drake, deeply troubled by his son's actions, appealed to the public, urging anyone with information about his son's whereabouts to contact the authorities immediately. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "He now needs to be found and held accountable for his actions."

As the statewide search continues for John Drake Jr., law enforcement agencies nationwide have joined forces to locate the fugitive. Mayor Freddie O'Connell expressed his support for Chief Drake during this challenging time, emphasizing that we cannot be held responsible for family members' choices.

This incident has left a community in shock and underscored the complexities that can arise within a family and the difficulties of reconciling personal relationships with professional responsibilities. The search for John Drake Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement personnel face in their line of duty and the resilience they display in the face of adversity.