The authorities in Tennessee are conducting a search for John C. Drake Jr., the estranged son of Nashville's police chief, after he was identified as the suspect in the shooting of two police officers outside a Dollar General store. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in La Vergne, a city located about 20 miles southeast of Nashville, as the officers were investigating a stolen vehicle. La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews stated at a news conference that a struggle ensued between the officers and the suspect outside the store, resulting in the suspect shooting one officer in the shoulder and the other in the groin and forearm.

The La Vergne police later identified the suspect as John C. Drake Jr., 38, and issued a warning that he should be considered armed and dangerous. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued by the police, but was lifted later that evening. Chief John Drake of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed in a statement that the suspect was his estranged son, expressing disappointment over his son's criminal activities and the need for him to be held accountable.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a statewide alert for the younger Mr. Drake, who is wanted for two counts of attempted first-degree murder. The injured officers, Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. Boleyjack was released from the hospital on Saturday, while Kern remained in stable condition and was kept overnight for observation.

Anne Smith, a spokeswoman for the La Vergne Police Department, stated that the search for John C. Drake Jr. is ongoing. The incident has garnered attention due to Chief Drake's previous involvement in responding to a mass shooting incident at the Covenant School in Nashville, where he called for action on gun violence and mental illness.

Chief Drake has been a vocal supporter of gun control measures and had written a letter supporting a bill that would require gun owners to secure weapons in parked vehicles and boats to prevent theft. Despite this, his estranged son's alleged involvement in the shooting of the two officers has brought personal turmoil to the police chief.

The La Vergne police issued a shelter-in-place order after the shooting, but it was later lifted as the search for the suspect continued. Mayor Freddie O'Connell expressed support for Chief Drake and sympathy for the wounded officers, emphasizing that the choices of family members cannot be controlled.

Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee are involved in the search for John C. Drake Jr., and a statewide blue alert has been issued to locate the suspect. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation described him as armed and very dangerous. The city of La Vergne lifted the shelter-in-place order, stating that there is no immediate threat to the public, but search efforts are ongoing.

The incident highlights the personal struggles of Chief Drake, who has been actively advocating for stricter gun laws in the wake of the Covenant School shooting. While he has had limited contact with his estranged son over the years, Chief Drake is now faced with the reality of his son's alleged criminal actions. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officials both professionally and personally.