Nashville police chief’s son on run for shooting two officers

A police chief's estranged son is wanted for the shooting of two Tennessee police officers.

Nashville Police Chief Chief John Drake's son, John Drake Jr, should be considered "armed and very dangerous", state official said.

There is a state-wide search for the suspect, who is wanted for two counts of attempted first degree murder.

The suspect, 38, is now on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list.

Authorities are offering a $2,500 (£2,040) reward for information leading to Mr Drake Jr's arrest.

Two officers in the suburban town of La Vergne, Tennessee, about 20m (32km) southeast of Nashville, were allegedly shot by John Drake Jr on Saturday.

Officers Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern - both on the force for less than three years - were investigating a stolen vehicle outside of a store. They were struggling with the suspect when he shot them with a handgun.

Police Chief Drake was "shocked and deeply saddened" to learn his son was a suspect in the shooting, he said in a statement.

He added that he has had "very minimal contact over many years" with his son, who had "resorted to years of criminal activity and is a convicted felon".

One officer was shot in the shoulder and the other was shot in the groin and forearm.

Ms Boleyjack was released from hospital on Saturday while Mr Kern, who is in stable condition, remained at hospital to be monitored.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said in a statement: "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."