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Manhunt continues for suspect in shooting of two La Vergne Police officers


Suspect in an officer-involved shooting in La Vergne on Saturday John C. Drake, Jr. and shooting scene (Photos: FOX 17 News/La Vergne PD)
Suspect in an officer-involved shooting in La Vergne on Saturday John C. Drake, Jr. and shooting scene (Photos: FOX 17 News/La Vergne PD)
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The manhunt continues for suspect John C. Drake Jr., 38, accused of shooting two La Vergne police officers Saturday, outside a Dollar General store.

La Vergne Police Chief Chris Moews said during a press conference Saturday that the shooting involved two officers at the front of the Dollar General, off Stones River Road. Moews said Officer Gregory Kern and Officer Ashley Boleyjack were investigating a stolen car identified by a license plate reader camera, just before 2:30 p.m. Moews said an altercation ensued when the officers encountered the suspect, Drake Jr.

"They struggled with that subject and during that struggle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired shots," said Moews.

Drake Jr., a convicted felon, is also the estranged son of Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake.

RELATED:Estranged son of Nashville Police Chief wanted for shooting two Middle Tennessee officers

One officer was struck in the shoulder. The other officer suffered bullet wounds to the right groin and forearm. Both were flown to VUMC.

The injured officers have been identified as Officer Ashely Boleyjack and Officer Gregory Kern. Boleyjack was released Saturday evening from the hospital. Kern remained in stable condition until he was released Sunday.

A shelter-in-place order for the Lake Forest area was in place throughout Saturday. It was lifted just before midnight.

However, the search for Drake Jr. continues, as TBI said he is still considered armed and dangerous.

Drake Jr., 38, is described as a black male, 5'11" with a muscular build, facial hair, and dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a black tee shirt with red lettering and a white hockey mask emblem on the front, and grey pants. He was last seen on foot heading north on Stones River Road from the Dollar General.

Police released the following photo of Drake Jr., who now faces two counts of attempted first degree murder.

The TBI is now heading the investigation and continued search for Drake Jr. He has been added to their Tennessee Most Wanted list.

The TBI says they are continuing to pursue all leads, and tips may develop on the search for Drake Jr. The agency adds his location is still unknown at this time.

RELATED |Estranged son of Nashville PD Chief sought in officer shootings is a sex offender with multiple arrests

The agencies that assisted La Vergne Police Department include the La Vergne Fire Rescue Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Mt. Juliet Police, Metro Nashville Police, Nashville International Airport Police, Rutherford County EMS, Nolensville Police, Town of Smyrna Police, Murfreesboro Police, and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

There is a $2,500 reward for information leading to Drake's arrest. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.



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