Nashville Police Chief's Son Wanted In Shooting Of 2 Police Officers

LA VERGNE, TENN — As La Vergne residents were urged to shelter in place Saturday following a shooting that wounded two police officers, a manhunt was underway for the suspected gunman: the estranged son of Nashville Police Chief John Drake.

Authorities are searching for John Drake Jr., 38, believed to have opened fire during a struggle with police officers investigating a report of a stolen vehicle near the Dollar General in the 600 block of Stones River Road Saturday afternoon, according to the La Vergne Police Department. The two officers were wounded and rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in stable condition.

One of the officers was shot in the rear left shoulder, and the other, an officer who had been with the department for about 18 months, was shot in the right groin and right forearm, WKRN reported.

"The suspect in today’s shooting has been identified as John C. Drake, Jr., 38," the City announced on social media. "Shelter in place is still active. Avoid the area and report anything suspicious."

The city circulated a photo of the suspect captured at the scene of the shooting.

Chief John Drake quickly issued a statement about his son.

“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," he said in a prepared statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with the two officers, who I understand are now in stable condition at Vanderbilt.

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. 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."