Manhunt For Son Of Nashville Police Chief, Who Is Wanted For Shooting 2 Officers Outside Dollar Store

LA VERGNE, TENNESSEE — A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of John C. Drake, Jr., the son of Nashville’s police chief. Drake is suspected of shooting two La Vergne Police officers outside a dollar store in La Vergne, TN, during an investigation into a reported stolen car. The incident happened last Saturday. One officer is currently hospitalized in stable condition, while the other has been treated and released.

The officers were identified as La Vergne Police Officers Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern.

By Monday, it was believed that Drake had likely left the La Vergne vicinity. The suspect’s mother has publicly pleaded for her son to turn himself in.

In response to the incident, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake released the following 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.”

La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews announced that the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has contributed $12,500 to the reward money, supplementing the initial $2,500 from the TBI, bringing the total reward to $15,000.