As they spoke with a suspect in the incident, a struggle ensued. During that fight, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot both officers, then fled the scene. A manhunt has been underway since early Sunday and at the time of this writing, he was still on the run.
LaVergne Police Chief Christopher Moews identified the suspect as 38-year-old John C. Drake, Jr., who is the estranged son of the Nashville Metro Police Chief, John Drake.
According to the Associated Press, city spokesperson, Anne Smith, said, "One of the officers was shot twice, in the groin and right forearm, while the other officer was hit in the rear left shoulder. Both were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. One of the officers was released from the hospital Saturday night. The other officer was kept overnight for observation and was in stable condition."
The officers have been identified as Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kerns.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations said via social media that nearly a dozen agencies are involved in the manhunt fro Drake, who is now wanted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Chief Drake issued an official statement discussing the manhunt and the relationship with his son, who he said has been engaged in criminal activity for years.
“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.”
Nashville's Mayor, Freddie O’Connell issued a statement showing his complete faith and support of the 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,” O’Connell said. “I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time. ”
Per WSMV NBC 4, records obtained through the Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk reveal the criminal history of the younger Drake. The history goes back to 2005 and includes being charged 59 times. WSMV reported, "He was first charged with theft of $500 or less. He was arrested on Oct. 31, 2005. A little less than a year later his case was dismissed on Aug. 3, 2006, according to CCC records.
"On Jan. 29, 2009, he was found guilty of aggravated rape of a lesser charge, according to CCC records.
"Since then, according to CCC records, he has been found guilty of three different sex offender violations on the following dates:
- Oct. 29, 2015
- May 9, 2019
- May 22, 2020
"He has also been found guilty of the following charges on the following dates, as shown on the records:
- Driving with no driver’s license - Nov. 20, 2006
- Domestic bodily injury - Feb. 22, 2007
- Aggravated burglary, resisting and evading arrest - July 25, 2007
- Assault of domestic bodily injury and criminal impersonation - Oct. 16, 2007
- Possession or casual exchange - Aug. 6, 2015"
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