Nashville police chief's estranged son wanted for allegedly shooting two cops

The son of Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake is wanted for shooting two police officers in the Tennessee city of La Vergne, as a manhunt continues Sunday for the suspect.

John Drake, Jr., 38, is wanted for two first-degree attempted murder charges and should be "considered armed and extremely dangerous," the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Saturday on X, formerly Twitter.

Drake Jr. allegedly shot two officers Saturday afternoon in a Dollar General in La Vergne, and he has a long history of convictions, including on charges of sex offenses, assault and burglary, according to local outlet WSMV, citing court records. The officers are in stable condition in a Nashville hospital, authorities said.

"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 Saturday after the shooting.

"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. 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," he also said.

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