(TheRedAlertNews.com) – HAPPENING NOW: In a criminal case that’s just as gut-wrenching as it is bizarre, the police chief in Nashville has seen himself forced to hunt down his convicted felon son as the son is suspected of shooting and wounding two law enforcement officers.
In a shocking turn of events in Nashville, Police Chief John Drake is now spearheading a manhunt for his estranged son, John C. Drake Jr., 38.
This search was initiated after two police officers were shot outside a Dollar General store on Stones River Road in La Vergne, Tennessee, at about 2:20 p.m. on a Saturday, The Daily Mail reports.
The two officers, Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern encountered Drake Jr. outside the store while pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle.
A confrontation occurred, culminating in Drake Jr. allegedly drawing a handgun and shooting both officers.
According to LaVergne Police Chief Christopher Moews, Kern sustained gunshot wounds to his right groin and right forearm, while Boleyjack was injured in her left shoulder.
Both officers were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. They are now in stable condition, with Boleyjack being discharged the following day.
The senior Police Chief, John Drake, voiced his anguish and disbelief upon discovering that his estranged son, with whom he had limited contact over the years, was the primary suspect.
“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,” Drake Sr. said in a statement.
He sent his thoughts and prayers to the two officers, adding that they were in stable condition.
“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,” the police chief added.
“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,” reacted Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
