Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake issued a statement Saturday evening after his son, John Drake Jr., was confirmed as the suspect wanted for shooting two La Vergne police officers.
Earlier Saturday, La Vergne Police Chief Chris Mays told reporters that the two officers shot by Drake were investigating a stolen vehicle before there was a struggle between the officers and the police chief’s son, who was armed with a handgun.
Mays said the incident took place in front of the Dollar General located at the intersection of Stones River Road and Lake Forest Drive.
Chief Drake said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” to hear about his son’s role in the incident.
“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,” Chief Drake said.
“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,” Chief Drake concluded.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also released a statement, affirming his support for Music City’s police chief in wake of the incident.
“My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family, and the two wounded LaVergne police officers. I know that despite our best efforts — including in their early years — we can’t be responsible for the choices of family members. I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time. He is the right Chief of Police for Nashville,” O’Connell said, according to reports.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “John Drake Jr.” by La Vergne Police Department. Photo “Police Chief John Drake” by Metro Nashville Police Department.
I’ll keep the two police officers who were shot in my prayers.
I understand. One thing you cannot do is choose your family members. All you can do is your best for them and hope they learn from your example. Sometimes, no matter what you do, they refuse to make good life choices and decisions. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
The hat never falls far from the hat rack.