John Drake Jr., the estranged son of Nashville Police Chief John Drake, has been found dead after a three-day manhunt, and new details are emerging about how the pursuit ended.
Drake, Jr., was suspected in the shooting of two police officers in La Vergne on October 21. Metro police say he was involved in a carjacking in Antioch around sunset on Tuesday. Two hours later — while a police helicopter followed him from above — Drake Jr. crashed, ran, and hid in a shed in the Edgehill neighborhood. About 17 minutes passed before officers report hearing a single gunshot. A statement released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
District Attorney Glenn Funk has requested an investigation into Drake Jr.’s death, which will include a full autopsy.
The manhunt began after two La Vergne police officers were shot while investigating a potential stolen vehicle on Saturday, October 21. Police identified John Drake Jr. as the suspect, triggering a statewide law enforcement response and placing him at the top of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s “Most Wanted” list. Both of the injured officers have since been released from the hospital and are expected to make a full recovery.
DEVELOPING: #MostWanted suspect John Drake, Jr. has died from what preliminarily appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
TBI special agents will investigate and await a full autopsy report. pic.twitter.com/ZdsHJs7ALB
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) October 25, 2023
The La Vergne Police Department issued a statement thanking the officers involved in the manhunt, and saying that their prayers are with Chief Drake and his family.
A statement from Chief Christopher Moews. pic.twitter.com/dyy3lKZZtf
— La Vergne, TN Police Department (@LaVergneTNPD) October 25, 2023
After the initial shooting, Nashville Police Chief John Drake said in a statement that his son had not been part of his life for quite some time, and that he was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the shooting. Following news that Drake Jr. had been found dead, Chief Drake released a statement:
“I am grateful to the members of law enforcement, including many officers from this department, who worked diligently since Saturday to locate my son and bring him into custody. It was my prayer that no harm would come to him or anyone else. I am heartbroken and saddened by the outcome. I appreciate the condolences and kind words of support as my family and I privately mourn our loss.”
Nashville’s mayor Freddie O’Connell also released a statement, noting the “tragic end” to Drake Jr.’s life and offering condolences to the chief and his family.
This is a developing story. Some things that get reported early on, by the media or law enforcement, could later turn out to be wrong. WPLN News will have updates as the situation develops.
This story was last updated at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
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