LA VIRGINE, Tenn. — Police in Tennessee on Sunday looked for the estranged son of a Nashville police chief because the suspect within the taking pictures of two law enforcement officials outdoors a Greenback Basic retailer.
Officers within the metropolis of La Vergne, about 20 miles southeast of Nashville, have been investigating a stolen automotive outdoors the shop Saturday afternoon once they struggled with the suspect, who pulled a gun and shot them, mentioned Christopher Moise, La Vergne Police Chief.
Police recognized the suspect as John C. Drake Jr., 38, the son of Metro Nashville Police Division Chief John Drake.
The injured officers are Ashely Poljak and Gregory Kern NBC affiliate WSMV From nashville.
One of many policemen was hit by two bullets within the thigh and proper forearm, whereas the opposite officer was hit within the again left shoulder. They have been taken to Vanderbilt College Medical Middle in Nashville. One of many officers was launched from the hospital on Saturday night. The opposite officer stayed in a single day for statement and was in steady situation, mentioned Anne Smith, a spokeswoman for the town of La Vergne.
The police chief issued an announcement on Saturday confirming that his son was the suspect within the taking pictures. Drake mentioned they have been estranged and he had little contact together with his son over a few years. He mentioned the youthful Drake is a convicted felon who “has resorted to years of legal exercise.”
“He should now be discovered and held accountable for his actions immediately. “I hope that anybody who sees him or has details about him will contact legislation enforcement instantly,” Drake mentioned within the assertion.
A statewide alert had been issued for Drake, who was wished on two counts of tried first-degree homicide, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation mentioned in a social media submit. A few dozen legislation enforcement companies are collaborating within the search, Smith mentioned.
After the taking pictures, La Vergne police issued a shelter-in-place order for metropolis residents. The shelter-in-place order was later lifted whereas the seek for Drake continued, the division mentioned in a social media submit.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell issued an announcement in help of the police chief.
“My coronary heart goes out to Chief Drake, his household and the 2 injured La Verne law enforcement officials. I do know that regardless of our greatest efforts — together with of their early years — we can’t be liable for a member of the family’s selections,” O’Connell mentioned. “I help Chief Drake and stand By his aspect on this troublesome time. “
