Manhunt under way for Nashville police chief's 'estranged' rapist son, who is suspected of shooting two officers

Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake's estranged son is suspected of shooting two cops outside a Dollar General store on Saturday. A manhunt is now under way for 38-year-old John C. Drake Jr., whom the La Vergne Police Department has indicated is considered armed and dangerous.

The MNP chief stressed that his son "needs to be found and held accountable."

According to the LVPD, the shooting occurred at 2:23 p.m. in La Vergne, Tennessee. Officers were investigating a report of a possible stolen vehicle when they encountered the suspect outside a Dollar General. The encounter went sideways, resulting in a physical struggle. The suspect ultimately pulled a handgun and shot officers Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern.

One officer was struck in the rear left shoulder. The other was hit in the right groin. Both officers were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and are now in stable condition.

Following the shooting and until midnight Saturday, the LVPD advised residents to shelter in place.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide Blue Alert for Drake Jr., noting he is wanted for two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Drake Jr. appears to have an extensive criminal record, having been hit with nearly 60 criminal charges in Davidson County since 2005. He has been convicted of numerous crimes, including aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, rape, multiple sex offender registration violations, and felony strangulation.

The MNP chief said in a statement Saturday, "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. 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," continued Chief Drake. "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 Tennessean indicated that Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has reiterated his support for Chief Drake in the aftermath of the shooting.

"My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family, and the two wounded LaVergne police officers. I know that despite our best efforts — including in their early years — we can’t be responsible for the choices of family members," O'Connell said in a statement. "I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time."

Chief Drake previously made headlines for doubling down on his support for gun control after a female transvestite LGBT activist slaughtered three children and three staff at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, reported the New York Times.

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