The La Vergne officers allegedly shot by the estranged son of Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake have been identified.
Officer Ashley Boleyjack was released from the hospital on Saturday while Officer Gregory Kern was kept overnight for observation and is reported in stable condition.
The suspect, John Drake, Jr. remains at large.
The double police shooting happened Saturday afternoon at 2:23pm at the Dollar General store on Stones River Road in La Vergne.
The officers made a stop and Drake allegedly pulled a gun, shooting both of the officers.
La Vergne Chief Chris Moews (pronounced MAYS) reports at 2:23pm Saturday (October 21st), officers made the stop at the Dollar General that's near Percy Priest Lake. While investigating, the suspect pulled a gun and shot both of the officers. One was struck in the left shoulder the other in the groin and forearm. Both of the officers were reported by the chief in stable condition at the hospital.
The suspect has now been identified as John C. Drake, Jr., age 38. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt featuring a white hockey mask emblem. He was wearing gray pants, and fled north bound on Stones River Road.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Alert for Drake. He should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information, you're urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake confirmed that the suspect is related to him in a statement:
“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. My thoughts and prayers are with the two officers, who I understand are now in stable condition at Vanderbilt. 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.”
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