Crime
Manhunt for Police Chief’s Son Ends in Tragedy
Clear Facts:
- John C. Drake, Jr., son of Nashville’s police chief, was implicated in the shooting of two police officers.
- After three days of evading capture, Drake Jr. was found dead from an alleged self-inflicted gunshot.
- Drake Jr. had a history of criminal charges and was previously on the TBI’s “Most Wanted” list.
The manhunt for the son of Nashville’s top cop, following the shooting of two officers, has ended in tragedy.
John C. Drake, Jr., 38, son of Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake, found himself in the eye of a storm after allegedly shooting two police officers in La Vergne, Tennessee, a stone’s throw away from Nashville. However, the chase to apprehend him took a grim turn on Tuesday night. Authorities discovered him dead, a seeming victim of his own hand.
Elaborating on the circumstances, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) stated, “After pursuing investigative leads in the search for [Tennessee Bureau of Investigation] Most Wanted suspect John Drake, Jr., authorities responded to a location in the 1400 block of 15th Avenue South in Nashville [Tuesday night]. There, responding officers heard a muffled gunshot from an outbuilding and subsequently found Drake deceased from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The hunt for Drake Jr. had intensified earlier that day. CNN sources suggest he had forcibly acquired a car at gunpoint, setting the police on his tail. Leading them on a high-speed chase, the pursuit ended in a crash, with Drake Jr. taking refuge in a shed, where his life tragically ended.
La Vergne’s Police Chief, Christopher Moews, conveyed a mix of relief and sorrow, stating, “The La Vergne community and our heroic officers can rest easy tonight knowing that the manhunt for John Drake, Jr. is over.” Moews extended his thoughts to Chief Drake, acknowledging the immense personal toll.
This tragic series of events ignited last week outside a Dollar General store. Two officers, Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, zeroed in on a suspected stolen vehicle. A confrontation ensued, with Drake Jr. allegedly firing multiple shots, hitting both officers before fleeing. Fortunately, both officers have since recovered and been discharged from the hospital.
Placed on the TBI’s “Most Wanted” list, Drake Jr. was sought for two counts of attempted first-degree murder, sparking a statewide “Blue Alert.”
Chief Drake, reflecting on the heart-wrenching ordeal, stated, “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.”
Drake Jr.’s criminal past is not inconspicuous. The New York Post reports he had faced criminal charges 59 times in Davidson County since 2005, including theft, burglary, drug possession, and assault. He was also convicted of four sex offender violations.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
We want to know what you think! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
John W
October 27, 2023 at 6:41 pm
Sounds like the Nashville Police Chief should have paid mor attention to his criminal son.
But when you look at Nashville, the Chief is not paying attention to crime at all.
Fran Reed
October 27, 2023 at 6:46 pm
Prays ans support to Officer Drain kevand his family for th pain and suffering and loss of his son. Being a retired Psycheatric Nurse I know there are many sick people that cannot be helped through medication, family, counseling etc. please please I beg of you and your family DO NOT feel responsible. There’s nothing you could do to fix a sick mind after all his 39 years. God bless you give you strength knowing the public supports and appreciates you and your services. Thank you! Fran Reed
Patriot ally
November 5, 2023 at 9:25 am
His life ending in a shed was not a tragedy after all, more like a relief for the community, and the officers that would have most likely had to shoot him
Sunshine Kid
December 11, 2023 at 6:47 pm
Just because you try to raise your son right does not always work out successfully. Been there, done that, and sadly, had no choice but to disown mine when he went down the wrong path of life.