Manhunt for Nashville police chief's 'estranged' ex-con son wanted in double cop shooting
Share and Follow

Tennessee police are on the hunt for the “estranged” adult son of Nashville’s well-regarded police chief. The son, who has a lengthy rap sheet and a long criminal history, is now accused of shooting two suburban officers as they investigated a stolen car Saturday.

Both La Vergne officers, identified as Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, were hospitalized in stable condition as authorities seek John C. Drake Jr., the 38-year-old son of Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake.

His whereabouts remain unclear, but local authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order in La Vergne, about 20 miles southeast of Nashville, early Monday.

Drake Jr. is accused of pulling a gun out during a “struggle” with the officers around 2:30 p.m. outside a Dollar General store in La Vergne. Then, police allege, he shot them both – one in the back, and the other multiple times.

SON OF NASHVILLE POLICE CHIEF SOUGHT IN SHOOTING OF 2 TENNESSEE OFFICERS

John C DRake Jr in split image

John Drake Jr. shown in a split image – one an undated mugshot photo, the other an image of the outfit La Vergne police say he was last seen wearing when he allegedly shot two officers in a Dollar General parking lot Saturday afternoon. (La Vergne Police Department)

“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,” the elder Drake said in a statement. “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 manhunt entered its second day Monday.

Drake Jr. is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, with a muscular build, facial hair and dreadlocks. He was wearing a black T-shirt with a white hockey mask emblem on the front and gray pants. Police say he is considered armed and dangerous and was last seen traveling northbound on Stones River Road.

CAREER CRIMINAL ARRESTED IN NYC SUBWAY SHOVE THAT NEARLY KILLED COMMUTER ONCE THREW URINE ON OFFICER

Tennessee-Police-Shot portraits

La Vergne Police Officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern were identified as the two officers shot Saturday outside a Dollar General store. (City of La Vergne via AP)

La Vergne police told Lake Forest residents to stay inside and lock their doors until early Monday morning.

“There is no immediate threat to the public,” the department said in a statement posted to Facebook at 12:17 a.m. “We are continuing our search efforts but ask everyone to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something.”

Drake Jr.’s criminal record includes dozens of prior arrests stretching back to 2005, according to WSMV-TV, a local news station.

Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police Department

Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police Department pauses during a vigil held for victims of The Covenant School shooting on March 29, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

An 18-page rap sheet shows he was convicted of rape in 2009 and three more sex offenses over the past decade, court records show.

He has also been charged with domestic violence, assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and evading arrest. On multiple occasions, he’s been arrested on violations of the state’s sex offender registry.

“My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family, and the two wounded La Vergne 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,” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said in a statement. “I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time. “

Anyone who sees Drake or anything suspicious is asked to call police. 

At least one of the wounded officers has been released from the hospital, according to authorities. 

Fox News’ Brie Stimson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Let's not be naive about this'

“Let’s not be overly trusting about this.”

A warning has been issued by the top chief of the defense…
NYC voters torn over Zohran Mamdani's big plans to hike taxes on wealthy, corporations: poll

Poll shows New York City voters split on Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to increase taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations

The Democratic candidate for mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has proposed raising taxes on…
Texas rancher fights back tears describing flooded town's devastation

Texas Rancher Emotionally Describes Devastation in Flooded Town

A Texas rancher held back tears as he revealed the overwhelming destruction…
Elon Musk announces formation of 'America Party'

Elon Musk creates new political party called the ‘America Party’

(The Hill) Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Saturday he has officially formed…
Jacksonville travelers return home smoothly following July 4th

Jacksonville vacationers had a smooth journey back home after July 4th

JAX Airport smoothly handled a surge of travelers during the busiest Fourth…
Chicago shooting: 16-year-old Meeyah Smith killed in Avalon Park worked with 'Englewood First Responders,' friends say; man hurt

Fatal Shooting in Avalon Park Claims Life of 16-Year-Old Meeyah Smith, Who was Involved with ‘Englewood First Responders,’ According to Friends; Another Individual Injured

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 16-year-old girl who was killed in shooting Friday…
Chicago-area priest Father Curtis Lambert accused of sexual abuse of a minor at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park: Archdiocese

“Archdiocese Reports Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Chicago Priest at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park”

MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A priest who served at multiple Chicago-area…
Daughter of Irish man beaten to death by American wife, her ex-FBI agent father rejects self-defense claims

Daughter of Irish man beaten to death by American wife, her ex-FBI agent father rejects self-defense claims

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A new documentary raises…