Nashville Police Chief’s “Estranged Son” Wanted for Shooting Two Officers, Has Lengthy Criminal History
Image Credit: @6qCreative & TBI
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake recently revealed that it was his “estranged son” who allegedly shot two police officers at a Dollar General in La Vergne, Tennessee.
“Our officers were investigating a stolen vehicle,” stated La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews. “They made contact with a subject. They struggled with that subject.”
The suspect allegedly produced a handgun, and two officers were shot. Officer Ashely Boleyjack and Officer Gregory Kern were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
As of Sunday, Kern remained in stable condition and Boleyjack was released from the hospital on Saturday.
On the day of the shooting, Chief Drake released a statement saying, “I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that my estranged son […] 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.”
He continued saying, “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.”
According to WSMV 4’s breakdown of Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk (CCC) records, John Drake Jr.’s criminal history dates all the way back to 2005.
In the last eighteen years Drake Jr. has been criminally charged in Davidson County 59 times.
His first charge was theft of $500 or less and he was arrested on October 31st, 2005. The case was dismissed on August 3rd, 2006.
On January 29th, 2009, Drake Jr. was found guilty of aggravated rape and became a registered sex offender. Drake Jr. has been convicted four times for either violating the sex offender registry or failing to register.
According to CCC records, he was found guilty of three different sex offender violations in October of 2015, May of 2019, and May of 2020.
Drake Jr. was also found guilty of driving without a driver’s license in November of 2006, domestic bodily injury in February of 2007, aggravated burglary and resisting and evading arrest in July of 2007, assault of domestic bodily injury and criminal impersonation in October of 2007, and possession or casual exchange in August of 2015.
There is still an ongoing search for John Drake Jr. who is wanted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Police believe the suspect to be armed and dangerous. Citizens have been told to call 911 immediately if they see any signs of Drake Jr.
“I continue to pray for the full recovery of the two La Vergne officers and hope for the safe apprehension of my son so that he can be held accountable. Anyone who sees him should notify law enforcement,” reads an updated statement from Chief John Drake.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
