Fugitive son of Nashville police chief shoots himself while hunted on charges of shooting two police officers: couple at gunpoint hours before his suicide

The dramatic manhunt for the estranged son of Nashville’s police chief in connection with the shooting of two officers at a Dollar General ended after a car chase in which the suspect committed suicide.

Last weekend, John Drake Jr. shot. two officers shot outside the store in La Vergne, Tennessee. The officers went shopping 20 miles southeast of Nashville for a reported car theft.

Nashville Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said Tuesday night that the suspect asked a couple for a ride, but when they refused, he pulled a gun on them and stole their car.

Later that evening the car was seen in the Edgware area of ​​the city. Police chased Drake for a short period when he crashed the car and ran into the backyard of a nearby home.

After Drake came across a shed, officers said they heard a gunshot. Once inside, the chief’s son was found dead.

Officers Ashely Boleyjack (left) and Gregory Kern (right) have been named as victims and are both listed in stable condition.

Nashville Metro Police Chief John Drake said his son “must be found and held accountable for his actions” and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact police. (Image: Drake briefed the media on a separate incident earlier this year)

Drake, who was wanted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder, was the son of Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake.

The chief issued a statement Saturday confirming that his son was the suspect in the shooting. He said his son had not been part of his life for some time.

“Despite my best efforts and guidance during his early and teenage years, my son, John Drake Jr., now 38 years old, has resorted to years of criminal activity and is a convicted felon,” Drake said.

‘He hasn’t been part of my life for a while. He must now be found and held accountable for his actions.

‘I hope anyone who sees him or has information about him will contact police immediately.’

Officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern were investigating a stolen vehicle outside the Dollar General store when they struggled with the suspect, who pulled out a gun and shot them, La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews said.

Both officers were treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

TBI will investigate Drake’s death at the request of District Attorney Glenn Funk and a full autopsy will be conducted as part of the investigation, the agency said.

In a statement, Nashville’s police chief said his son had not been part of his life for a long time

The suburban area where the search for John Drake Jr. ended Tuesday evening

Police said Drake Jr. came across a shed behind this house and committed suicide

In a statement on social media, Meows thanked all officers involved in Tuesday night’s pursuit for their “steadfastness and dedication to bringing this case to a close” and said they are keeping Chief Drake and his family in prayers.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell issued a statement in support of the police chief.

“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 responsible for the choices of family members,” O’Connell said.

“I stand with Chief Drake and stand by him during this difficult time.”