The police chief's son, wanted for shooting two officers, was found dead, officials say

Authorities said the estranged son of Nashville's police chief, wanted for shooting two officers, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading police on a chase in a stolen car.

Nashville Police Chief John Drake thanked officers for helping him find his son, John Drake Jr., 38, who was accused of shooting and wounding two officers in La Vergne on Saturday.

“It was my prayer that no harm would come to him or anyone else," the elder Drake said. "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.”

Don Aaron, Metro Nashville Police spokesman, said Tuesday night that the younger Drake stole a car at gunpoint from a home southeast of downtown around 6 p.m. Aaron said Drake asked a man and woman in front of a home for a ride and demanded the car in the driveway with a gun when they refused.

After a short time, officers followed the car to Edgehill south of downtown, where it crashed. Aaron said Drake fled to a shed behind a home and was shot when officers arrived.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation posted on social media that Drake was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. TBI said it will investigate Drake's death at District Attorney Glenn Funk's request and perform a full autopsy.

Drake was wanted for two attempted first-degree murders and was the son of Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. The chief confirmed Saturday that his son was the shooter. He said his son has been absent for a while.