Nashville Police Chief’s Estranged Son Found Dead After Shooting Officers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The estranged son of Nashville’s police chief, who was wanted in the shooting of two police officers, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading police on a chase in a stolen car, authorities said.
Authorities had been searching for John Drake Jr., 38, since two officers were shot and wounded outside a Dollar General store in La Vergne on Saturday. The city is located about 20 miles southeast of Nashville.
According to Metro Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron, Drake stole a car at gunpoint from a home southeast of downtown on Tuesday night. Reportedly, Drake approached a man and a woman, asking for a ride. When they were unable or unwilling to provide one, Drake pulled out a gun and demanded the car that was in the driveway.
Officers later spotted the stolen car and pursued it to the Edgehill area south of downtown, where it crashed. Drake then fled to a shed behind a home. As officers surrounded the area, a gunshot was heard.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed that officers found Drake dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It also stated that it will be investigating Drake’s death upon District Attorney Glenn Funk’s request. A full autopsy will be conducted as a part of the investigation.
Drake, who was wanted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder, was the son of Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake. The police chief issued a statement on Saturday, confirming that his estranged son was the suspect in the shooting. He revealed that his son had not been a part of his life for some time and had resorted to a life of criminal activity.
The injured officers, Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, were investigating a stolen vehicle outside the Dollar General store when they came into contact with the suspect. The situation quickly escalated, with the suspect pulling out a handgun and opening fire on both officers. Fortunately, both officers were treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews expressed gratitude to the officers involved in the pursuit for their unwavering dedication. He also offered his prayers and condolences to Chief Drake and his family during this difficult time.
The investigation into the shooting and subsequent death of John Drake Jr. is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the exact events leading up to the tragic incident.