Search continues for Nashville police chief's estranged son after shooting of two officers

Authorities in Tennessee were searching for the estranged son of Nashville's police chief, who is a suspect in the shooting of two officers on Saturday.

Police in La Vergne, about 20 miles southeast of Nashville, issued a shelter-in-place order asking residents to lock their doors and stay inside while officers combed the area for the suspect.

Police say John C. Drake Jr., 38, is believed to be armed and dangerous.

Nashville Police confirmed Saturday evening that the suspect is Police Chief John Drake's estranged son.

The shooting occurred at 2:23 p.m. in front of a Dollar General Store in La Vergne while officers pursued a possible stolen vehicle, according to La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews.

"Our officers were investigating a stolen vehicle. They made contact with a subject. They struggled with that subject," Moews said. "During that struggle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired shots."

Both injured officers were in stable condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. One officer, whose name was not released but who is a nearly three-year veteran of the agency, was shot in the left shoulder. The other officer, who has held the position for a year and a half, was shot in his right groin and right forearm.

The suspect wore gray pants and a "black T-shirt with a hockey mask emblem on the front with red lettering," Moews said. "Lock your doors and call the police if you see subjects matching this description."

Drake issued a statement Saturday evening calling for his son's arrest.

"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," Drake said in the statement. "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.”

Mayor Freddie O'Connell issued his own statement in support of Drake.

"My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family, and the two wounded La Vergne police officers. I know that despite our best efforts − including in their early years − we can't be responsible for the choices of family members," O'Connell said. "I support Chief Drake and stand by him at this difficult time. He is the right Chief of Police for Nashville."

This a breaking story and will be updated.