The estranged son of Nashville’s top cop — who has an extensive criminal history — shot two police officers outside Dollar General Saturday before leaving in a stolen car, officials said.
John C. Drake, 38, remains at the scene after allegedly assaulting officers just before 2:30 p.m. in La Vergne, a town about 20 miles southeast of the city his father oversees.
Nashville Police Chief John Drake issued a statement calling for the arrest of his son, who he said had “very minimal contact” with him in recent years.
“Despite my early and teenage efforts and guidance, my son, John Drake Jr., now 38 years old, has been engaged in criminal activity for many years and is a convicted felon. He hasn’t been a part of my life for a long time,” Chief Drake said in the post, which included a photo of his criminal ancestry.
“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.”
Police say John C. Drake shot both officers outside the Dollar General before fleeing in a stolen vehicle. La Vergne Police Department
The younger Drake allegedly fired a gun during a struggle with officers when they showed up at the discount store to investigate a report of a stolen vehicle.
A police officer who had been on the job for a year and a half was shot in the right groin and right arm, while a second officer who was about to celebrate his third year on the force suffered a gunshot wound to the back left shoulder, La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews said at a news conference.
Both were rushed to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
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Drake hopped into a 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 ban lasted about 11 hours before it was lifted, although Drake is still free.
Police warned that the alleged gunman was “considered armed and dangerous.”
Drake has been criminally charged 59 times in Davidson County — which does not 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 was also found guilty of four separate sex offender violations, including aggravated rape.
Drake was recently charged in April with assault causing bodily harm.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell released a statement in support of Chief Drake.
“My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family and the two injured LaVergne police officers. I know that despite our best efforts — including in their early years — we cannot be held accountable for the choices of family members,” the Democrat said.
“I support Chief Drake and stand by him during this difficult time. He is the right Chief of Police for Nashville.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
