NASCAR’s John Wes Townley attacked ex-wife with hatchet before death, cops say

Former NASCAR driver John wes townley attacked his ex-wife and another man with an ax just before he was shot … this according to the police.

Everything is clarified in new documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, which show cops say Townley showed up at his ex’s home in Athens, Georgia on October 2 and was allegedly broken up.

In the documents, the cops say Townley arrived at the house and attacked his ex, Laura Townley, and another man, Zachary Anderson, with an ax.

Police in the documents say, however, that Anderson shot John during the altercation… hitting the former driver and accidentally also Laura.

Cops say John was shot in the chest and later died of his injuries at a local hospital. Police said Laura was shot in the abdomen but is expected to survive.

Police say an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Police noted in the documents that John and Laura had recently finalized a divorce.