Manhunt continues for Nashville police chief’s son suspected in taking pictures of two Tennessee officers

LA VERGNE, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Tennessee have been looking out Sunday for the estranged son of Nashville’s police chief because the suspect within the taking pictures of two cops exterior a Greenback Common retailer.
Officers in La Vergne, a metropolis about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Nashville, have been investigating a stolen car exterior the shop Saturday afternoon after they sruggled with the suspect, who pulled a handgun and shot them, stated LaVergne Police Chief Christopher Moews.
Police recognized the suspect as John C. Drake, Jr., 38, who’s the son of Metro Nashville Police Division Chief John Drake.
One of many officers was shot twice, within the groin and proper forearm, whereas the opposite officer was hit within the rear left shoulder. Each have been taken to Vanderbilt College Medical Middle in Nashville. One of many officers was launched from the hospital Saturday night time. The opposite officer was saved in a single day for remark and was in secure situation, stated Anne Smith, a spokesperson for town of La Vergne. Their identities haven’t been launched.
The police chief issued an announcement Saturday confirming his son was the suspect within the taking pictures. Drake stated they have been estranged and over a few years he has had solely minimal contact along with his son. The youthful Drake is a convicted felon who “resorted to years of prison exercise,” he stated.
“He now must be discovered and held accountable for his actions in the present day. I hope that anybody who sees him or has details about him will contact legislation enforcement instantly,” Drake stated within the assertion.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation stated in a social media publish {that a} statewide alert had been issued for Drake, who was needed on two counts of tried first-degree homicide. Smith stated a couple of dozen legislation enforcement businesses are concerned within the search.
After the taking pictures, the La Vergne police issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within the metropolis. The shelter order was later lifted whereas the seek for Drake continued, the division stated in a social media publish.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell issued an announcement in help of the police chief.
“My coronary heart goes out to Chief Drake, his household, and the 2 wounded LaVergne cops. I do know that regardless of our greatest efforts — together with of their early years — we will’t be answerable for the alternatives of relations,” O’Connell stated. “I help Chief Drake and stand by him at this troublesome time. ”