Son of Nashville’s Police Chief Suspected of Shooting 2 Police Officers Outside General Store
John Drake Jr., 38, is a suspect in a shooting that left two La Vergne police officers hospitalized on Saturday, according to police John Drake Jr., the estranged son of Nashville's police chief, John Drake, is suspected in a shooting that left two La Vergne police officers wounded outside a Dollar General. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide blue alert for Drake, who is now wanted as a suspect on two counts of attempted first-degree murder. The officers, Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, were wounded during the incident. Drake was added to the agency's most wanted list and offered a reward of $2,500 for information leading to his arrest. The La Vergue Police Department lifted a shelter-in-place order on Sunday, stating there is no immediate threat to the public.
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John Drake Jr., 38, is a suspect in a shooting that left two La Vergne police officers hospitalized on Saturday, according to police
The estranged son of Nashville’s police chief is a suspect in a shooting that left two police officers wounded outside a Dollar General on Saturday, according to WKRN, WSMV and CNN.
A statewide blue alert was issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Saturday for John Drake Jr., 38, — son of Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake — now wanted as a suspect on two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
“Our officers were investigating a stolen vehicle,” La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews said during a news conference on Sunday, obtained by WKRN News 2. “During that investigation, they had contact with the subject. They struggled with that subject, during that struggle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired shots.”
Moews said one officer was hit in the left shoulder while the other was shot in the right forearm and groin.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center admitted both officers, releasing one on Saturday night, while the other one stayed for observation but was in stable condition, Moews said.
The injured officers were identified as Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, as reported by NBC affiliate WSMV of Nashville.
“Residents in the area are asked to shelter in place and lock their doors,” Moews stated during the news conference.
Drake was added to the agency’s most wanted list — which lists suspects who are “armed and dangerous — offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Saturday, the La Vergne Police Department said the shelter-in-place was still active, writing, “Avoid the area and report anything suspicious.” The department shared two photos of Drake — one of him at the scene wearing a black shirt and hat as well as a previous mugshot.
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“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,” Chief Drake said on Saturday, according to CNN.
Related: Teen Accused of Killing Police Officer in Philadelphia Airport Lot Who Confronted Him About Car Theft
“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 chief said, per the outlet. “He has not been a part of my life for quite some time.”
On Sunday, the La Vergne Police Department announced on Facebook that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted, writing there was “no immediate threat to the public. We are continuing our search efforts but ask everyone to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something.”
The La Vergne Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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주제: Crime, Tennessee, Nashville