Nashville Police Chief’s Son Still at Large After Shooting 2 Officers

Police Search for ​Estranged ⁤Son of Nashville’s Police Chief in Shooting of Officers

Authorities in ​Tennessee are on the hunt for the estranged son of Nashville’s police chief, who is the prime suspect in the shooting of two ​police ​officers outside a Dollar General store. The ⁤incident ⁤took ⁢place in La Vergne, a city located about 20 miles‌ southeast⁤ of Nashville.

The ⁤officers‍ were investigating a stolen vehicle‍ outside the store​ when they confronted the suspect.​ A struggle ensued, and the suspect pulled out a ‍handgun, shooting both officers. LaVergne ⁤Police Chief⁢ Christopher ‌Moews provided these ‍details.

The suspect has been‌ identified as ⁤John C. Drake, Jr., aged 38, and he happens to‍ be the son of Metro⁢ Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake.

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One officer sustained gunshot wounds in the groin and ⁣right forearm,‍ while the other was hit in the rear left shoulder. Both officers were rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Fortunately, ⁣one of the officers was released from the hospital the same night, while the other remained under observation but was in stable condition, according to Anne Smith, a spokesperson for the city of La Vergne. The identities of the officers have not been disclosed.

In a statement, Chief‍ John Drake confirmed that his son was the ​suspect in the shooting. He revealed that they⁣ had been​ estranged for many years, with minimal contact. The younger Drake, a convicted felon, has been involved⁣ in criminal activities for an extended⁤ period, the chief added.

“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,”​ stated Chief Drake.

The Tennessee Bureau⁤ of Investigation issued a statewide alert for Drake, who is wanted on two⁢ counts of ⁣attempted first-degree murder. Multiple law enforcement agencies are ‍collaborating in the search for him.

Following the shooting, the La Vergne police initially issued a ⁣shelter-in-place order for residents. However, the order was later lifted as the search for Drake continued, as announced by the department​ on‍ social media.

Mayor Freddie ‍O’Connell expressed his support for Chief Drake and extended his ⁤sympathies to the wounded officers and⁤ the chief’s family.

“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,” ‍Mayor O’Connell stated. “I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time.”

How ‍is Chief ​John Drake handling the personal and professional responsibilities in the aftermath of the shooting?

Ys ‍He Will ⁢Not ⁢Let​ Hate Win After Shooting

10/21/2023

According to authorities, ⁢the​ motive for the shooting remains unclear at ⁤this time. However, they believe that the suspect had stolen the vehicle ‌to use as a getaway car. As of ⁣now, the stolen ​vehicle has been recovered,‍ but Drake Jr. remains at large.

Police departments across Tennessee have been‌ alerted to be on⁤ the lookout for Drake Jr., and a statewide⁤ manhunt has been‌ launched. Law enforcement ‍agencies are utilizing all​ available ⁤resources to track down the suspect and ensure the safety of the public and officers. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is ⁣also ‌assisting⁢ in the case.

Chief ‍John Drake ​expressed⁤ his ​shock at the incident and pleaded for his son to turn himself in. In a press conference,⁣ Chief Drake stated, “This is‍ a ⁣difficult⁤ time for our family, ‌and we⁣ are praying for the ‍recovery of the officers who were injured. I urge my son,​ John, to do ⁤the right thing ​and surrender to law enforcement. We will support him⁣ through ⁣this, but he⁢ must ⁢face the ‌consequences of his actions.”

As ⁢the⁢ search ‍for Drake Jr. continues, law enforcement officers urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.​ They warn that he should be considered armed ⁢and⁢ dangerous and⁤ should not be approached. Instead, ⁢individuals are advised ⁢to contact local authorities or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation with any leads.

This incident underscores the challenges and⁣ dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. It also highlights the difficult position that Chief John Drake ⁢finds himself ⁢in, as he balances his personal and professional responsibilities in the midst ‍of ⁢this ⁢crisis.

The⁢ shooting has sparked renewed discussions about the need⁤ for increased‌ support and resources for law enforcement ⁣officers.‍ Many are calling for enhanced training and ‍safety measures to better protect officers in​ the line of ​duty. At the‌ same time,‍ attention is being drawn to the ‌importance⁣ of⁤ addressing the mental health issues and personal ‍struggles that some officers and their families⁤ may face.

As the⁤ investigation into the shooting continues and the search for ‌John C. Drake Jr. intensifies, the Nashville ‍community and law enforcement ⁢agencies stand united in ‌their ⁢resolve to ⁣bring the suspect to justice and ensure ⁣the safety of the community. ​In ‍the face of ⁢this tragedy, the hope remains that lessons will be learned and steps taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the injured officers are receiving medical treatment,‌ and their conditions are stable. Thoughts and prayers are being extended to them and ‌their‌ families‍ as they begin the road ⁣to‌ recovery.