Nashville police chief's son sought in shooting of two officers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville Police Chief John Drake has spent much of his career trying to steer young people away from crime. Inspired by mentors who helped him as a young man, Drake has tried to pay it forward.

But sadly, he was unable to keep his own son out of trouble.

John C. Drake Jr., 38, stands accused of shooting two police officers outside of a Dollar General store in the nearby city of La Vergne on Saturday afternoon. He was still the subject of a manhunt on Monday, and police said they consider him to be armed and dangerous. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation put him on its most wanted list with a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.

Officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern were investigating a stolen vehicle outside the store when they struggled with the suspect, who pulled out a handgun and shot them, said La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews. Both officers were treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Chief Drake issued a statement Saturday confirming his son was the suspect in the shooting. Drake said he was estranged from his son and had only minimal contact with him for many years. The younger Drake is a convicted felon who "resorted to years of criminal activity," he said.

"He now needs to be found and held accountable for his actions," Drake said in the statement.

Now, Drake is in a tough spot where the suspect he wants brought to justice is the son he raised.

Earlier this year, Drake was the law enforcement official in front of cameras informing the public about how three young elementary school students and three adults were shot dead at The Covenant School.

Drake Jr. pleaded guilty to felonies for a 2008 aggravated rape and a 2017 aggravated assault, court records show. He has faced a variety of criminal charges over a span of more than 17 years, with a mix of convictions and dismissals.

According to an arrest affidavit in the 2017 aggravated assault, he attacked his then-girlfriend while the child they had together was in the car with them. Two weeks later, an officer had to chase down Drake Jr. as he fled his arrest on the outstanding warrant.

"My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family, and the two wounded La Vergne police officers," Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said. "I know that despite our best efforts - including in their early years - we can't be responsible for the choices of family members."