Jennifer Lackard, a deputy police commissioner with the Mount Vernon Police Department, and her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, were arrested Tuesday in connection with an alleged gang-related shooting in New York City. Authorities accuse Jennifer Lackard of driving her son away after he allegedly fired at rival gang members near the Bronx Criminal Court in late June. No one was injured in the shooting, but both defendants face several serious criminal charges. The police department said Jennifer Lackard was terminated immediately and that the allegations were unrelated to her official duties.
| 1) | Arrests follow alleged Bronx gang shooting |
|---|---|
| 2) | Authorities outline the alleged getaway |
| 3) | Police department terminates deputy commissioner |
| 4) | Son has prior reported encounters with police |
| 5) | Defendants face multiple criminal counts |
Arrests follow alleged Bronx gang shooting
Jennifer Lackard and Chase Lackard were arrested at their home Tuesday morning, according to authorities familiar with the case. The arrests relate to a late-June shooting near the Bronx Criminal Court, where Chase Lackard is accused of firing at members of a rival gang.
Investigators have described the incident as gang-related. The shooting occurred in a public area near a courthouse, but authorities said no one was injured. The available allegations do not establish whether anyone was struck or identify any additional people who may have been involved.
Authorities outline the alleged getaway
According to the account provided by police sources, Chase Lackard ran to a vehicle driven by his mother after the shooting. Investigators allege that Jennifer Lackard then sped away from the area with her son, forming the basis of the accusation that she served as a getaway driver.
The alleged conduct occurred away from the Mount Vernon Police Department and was not connected to Jennifer Lackard’s police responsibilities, according to the department. The case will determine whether prosecutors can prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Police department terminates deputy commissioner
Jennifer Lackard held the rank of deputy police commissioner in Mount Vernon, a city in Westchester County north of New York City. Following her arrest, the department announced Tuesday that she had been terminated effective immediately.
“The allegations are unrelated to her duties with the Mount Vernon Police Department and do not stem from any conduct associated with the Department or the performance of her official responsibilities.”
The statement separated the criminal allegations from the former official’s professional work. It did not provide additional details about the department’s internal process or indicate whether any other employees were under investigation.
Son has prior reported encounters with police
The current case is not the first reported encounter between Chase Lackard and law enforcement. He was shot by police in 2024 after allegedly displaying a gun during an argument, according to the reported account of his history.
He was also shot in 2023 by three other youths during a dispute on a bus. The earlier incident reportedly began after he demanded to know which gang the youths belonged to and tried to pull one of them from the bus before being shot in the chest. Authorities have also alleged that he was a member of a group known as the “Slutty Gang.”
Defendants face multiple criminal counts
Both Jennifer Lackard and Chase Lackard face charges of attempted murder, attempted assault, criminal possession of a firearm, conspiracy and reckless endangerment. The charges reflect allegations involving the shooting, the alleged weapon and the claimed effort to leave the scene.
The arrests and charges are not findings of guilt. The defendants are entitled to due process, and the evidence, legal arguments and final outcomes will be addressed through the court system. Further proceedings are expected to clarify the specific conduct prosecutors attribute to each defendant.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Mount Vernon deputy police commissioner and her son were arrested Tuesday. |
| 2 | The case concerns an alleged shooting near the Bronx Criminal Court in late June. |
| 3 | No injuries were reported in the shooting. |
| 4 | Both defendants face attempted murder, firearm and related charges. |
| 5 | The police department said Jennifer Lackard was terminated immediately. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that a former Mount Vernon police official helped her son flee after a gang-related shooting in the Bronx. Both defendants face serious charges, while the department has acted to end Jennifer Lackard’s employment. The allegations remain subject to criminal proceedings and due process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Jennifer Lackard, a former Mount Vernon deputy police commissioner, and her son, Chase Lackard, 20, were arrested at their home Tuesday.
What are they accused of doing?
Chase Lackard is accused of shooting at rival gang members near the Bronx Criminal Court. Investigators accuse his mother of driving him away after the incident.
Were there any injuries?
Authorities said no one was injured in the alleged late-June shooting.
What charges do they face?
Both defendants face attempted murder, attempted assault, criminal possession of a firearm, conspiracy and reckless endangerment charges.
