(La Vergne, TN) La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews (pronounced Mays) said the suspect in Saturday afternoon's (2:30PM, 10/21/2023) remains at large. CBS News Reported on Monday...

The officers who were fired upon by the suspect were sent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment and have been identified as Officer Ashely Boleyjack and Officer Gregory Kern. Officer Boleyjack was released from the hospital yesterday. Officer Kern was kept overnight for observation and is in stable condition. 

By using surveillance videos from the scene, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the suspect as John C. Drake, Jr. The 38-year-old male is the estranged son of Nashville Police Chief John Drake. is considered to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees the suspect or someone matching the suspect’s description should call police immediately and avoid contact with him. 

What Happened made a traffic stop of a possible stolen vehicle at the Dollar General on Stones River Road, near Percy Priest Lake. While investigating, the suspect pulled a gun and shot both of the officers. One was struck in the left shoulder the other in the groin and forearm. Both of the officers were taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center, one by LifeFlight helicopter. 

La Vergne Chief Moews said, "“We are eternally grateful to the men and women who showed up to assist us in our time of need, especially to our La Vergne Fire Rescue Department who was the first on the scene to render medical aid to our officers,” says Chief Christopher Moews (pron: Mayes). “We appreciate all of the support from our community and their cooperation throughout last night as we searched the area for our suspect.”  

The La Vergne Police Department would like to thank all of the officers and agents who showed up to assist in the aftermath of yesterday’s shooting incident including La Vergne Fire Rescue Department, TBI, THP, ATF, TWRA, 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. 

The search efforts to locate John C. Drake, Jr. will continue. The community is urged to be vigilant and if you see something, say something. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with red writing and a mask design. He has a beard and dreadlocks.

Anyone who sees someone matching the suspect’s description should call 911 or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 800-TBI-FIND (800-824-3463).

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