The estranged son of Nashville’s top cop — who has an extensive criminal history — shot two police officers outside a Dollar General Saturday before peeling off in a stolen car, officials said.
John C. Drake, 38, is still on the lam after allegedly striking the officers just before 2:30 p.m. in La Vergne, a city roughly 20 miles southeast of the city his father oversees.
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake issued a statement calling for the arrest of his son, whom he said he had “very minimal contact” with in recent years.
“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,” Chief Drake said in the release, which included a picture of his criminal offspring.
“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.”
The younger Drake allegedly fired a handgun during a struggle with the officers when they showed up at the discount store to investigate a report of a stolen vehicle.
A cop with just one-and-a-half years on the job was shot in the right groin and right forearm, while the second office on the verge of celebrating his third year on the force suffered a gunshot wound to the rear left shoulder, La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews said at a press conference.
Both were rushed to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
Drake hopped in the suspected stolen car and hasn’t been seen since.
“Residents in the area are asked to shelter in place and lock their doors,” Meows said.
The lockdown lasted roughly 11 hours before it was lifted, though Drake is still on the loose.
Police warned that the alleged gunman is “considered armed and dangerous.”
Drake has been criminally charged 59 times in Davidson County — which doesn’t include La Vergne — since 2005, according to court records.
His extensive criminal history began with an arrest for theft of $500 or less and possession of a weapon on Halloween that year, when Drake was 20 years old.
Over the years, Drake has been charged with assault, possession of a controlled substance, burglary and more.
He has also been found guilty of four separate sex offender violations, including aggravated rape.
Drake was most recently charged in April with assault causing bodily injury.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell issued a statement in support of Chief Drake.
“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,” the Democrat said.
“I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time. He is the right Chief of Police for Nashville.”
