A deputy commissioner from a New York state police department was dismissed on Tuesday after being implicated as a getaway driver for her son in an incident under investigation for attempted murder.
In an announcement on Instagram, the city of Mount Vernon confirmed the termination of Jennifer Lackard, who held the position of deputy police commissioner for safety, citing behavior “unrelated to her official duties.”
According to reports from the New York Daily News, 49-year-old Lackard and her 20-year-old son, Chase, were apprehended during a police raid at their residence in the Bronx early Tuesday morning. The reports indicate that both individuals face multiple charges, including attempted murder, attempted assault, gun possession, conspiracy, and reckless endangerment. These charges are linked to an incident where shots were fired at a group outside the Bronx criminal court on June 29.
The Daily News identified Chase Lackard as the shooter, who allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle driven by his mother. Fortunately, no individuals were injured during the incident.
The statement from Mount Vernon referenced the legal charges against Lackard in relation to her termination. It also identified her as the former deputy police commissioner of wellness.
“The Mount Vernon police department acknowledges the criminal charges brought forth by the Bronx County District Attorney’s office against former deputy commissioner of wellness, Jennifer Lackard,” the statement read. “Effective immediately, the city of Mount Vernon has ended Jennifer Lackard’s employment. The allegations are not related to her responsibilities within the Mount Vernon police department and do not arise from any conduct associated with her official duties.”
As per the See Through NY government transparency portal, Lackard’s salary was reported to be $138,219 for the year 2025.
Reports indicate that Chase Lackard had previously been a victim of gun violence. In January 2023, when he was 17, he sustained gunshot wounds during an altercation involving gang signs on a bus. Subsequently, a 14-year-old from a rival gang was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
At that time, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard referred to Jennifer Lackard as “a valuable member of our leadership team” and expressed prayers for her son’s recovery.
In November 2024, Chase Lackard was involved in another incident where police in the Bronx responded to a large fight and subsequently shot him after he reportedly pointed a 9mm pistol at a police vehicle. He sustained two leg wounds and faced criminal charges thereafter.
Additionally, the chief of patrol for the New York City police department, John Chell, informed reporters that Chase Lackard had been arrested in September 2024 on a gun-related charge. Following this incident, the Mount Vernon mayor labeled it as “a personal matter” and reiterated prayers for the family.
As of Tuesday, no legal representation had been publicly disclosed for either Lackard. The city of Mount Vernon indicated that it would refrain from commenting on the allegations involved.
The Guardian has reached out to the Bronx County District Attorney’s office for further comments.
