Breaking News: Intense Manhunt Underway for Nashville Police Chief's Son, Linked to Shocking Shooting of Suburban Officers

Tennessee authorities are on the lookout for John Drake Jr., the son of Nashville's police chief, after he became a suspect in the shooting of two suburban police officers on Saturday. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a statewide blue alert to help locate the 38-year-old, urging everyone to exercise caution as he is considered "armed and extremely dangerous."

Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake has confirmed that the suspect involved in the shooting of two La Vergne police officers this afternoon is his estranged son. Chief Drake expressed shock and deep sadness upon learning this information and revealed that he has had very limited contact with his son over the years. He emphasized that his thoughts and support are with the injured officers during this difficult time.

The chief expressed disappointment as his son, John Drake Jr., now 38 years old, resorted to a series of criminal activities resulting in his conviction. It has been a considerable period since he has been a presence in the chief's life.

The shooting occurred on Saturday night in La Vergne, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, during an altercation, according to the police.

"Our officers were in the process of investigating a stolen vehicle. While conducting their investigation, they had an encounter with an individual," stated La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews during a press conference on Saturday. "They engaged in a physical struggle with this individual, and unfortunately, the suspect pulled out a handgun and discharged it."

One officer sustained a gunshot wound in the shoulder while the other was wounded in the groin and forearm. These officers, with less than three years of experience in the force, were immediately taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, as confirmed by Moews.

According to a statement from the city of La Vergne, one of the officers was discharged on Saturday evening, while the other officer is currently in stable condition and continues to receive medical care at the hospital.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issues blue alerts in situations where there is a significant risk to the safety of the public and law enforcement officers. According to the bureau, the suspect is described as being 5 feet and 11 inches tall, weighing 195 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last spotted in LaVergne at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, specifically in the vicinity of Stones River Road near Lake Forest Drive. The suspect was wearing a black t-shirt adorned with a hockey mask featuring red accents, along with gray sweatpants.

LaVergne implemented a shelter-in-place order throughout the majority of Saturday night. However, the city lifted the order shortly after midnight, stating that there was no immediate danger to the public. CNN's Lauren Mascarenhas contributed to this report.