Mount Vernon, NY – Mount Vernon Police Department Deputy Commissioner of Wellness Jennifer Lackard has been terminated after she was charged in connection with what prosecutors describe as an attempted gang-related shooting outside the Bronx Hall of Justice.
According to an indictment unsealed Tuesday, Jennifer Lackard, 49, allegedly coordinated the June 29 attack with her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, exchanging text messages that prosecutors say detailed where to stand, when to move and how to time the shooting outside the courthouse.
The Mount Vernon Police Department confirmed Wednesday that Lackard’s employment was terminated effective immediately following the criminal charges filed by the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office.
“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 department said in a statement.
Prosecutors allege mother directed logistics of courthouse attack
According to the indictment, Chase Lackard texted his mother shortly before the shooting, writing, “Be directly in front when I leave.”
Jennifer Lackard allegedly replied, “When? You can’t just sit directly outside. It has to be timed right.”
Prosecutors allege Chase Lackard then put on a black mask before getting into a tan Chrysler Pacifica with his parents.
Court documents state that Jennifer’s husband, James Lackard, drove the family around the Bronx Hall of Justice for approximately 45 minutes before pulling behind the courthouse.
From the back seat of the vehicle, prosecutors allege Chase Lackard fired multiple shots through a rolled-down window.
No injuries were reported.
Family allegedly fled and abandoned vehicle
Following the shooting, prosecutors allege Jennifer Lackard switched seats with her husband and drove the family to the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx, where Chase changed clothes before entering a nearby residential building.
According to the indictment, Jennifer and James Lackard then drove to a nearby parking lot, abandoned the Chrysler Pacifica and walked to a separate black SUV.
Authorities arrested Jennifer Lackard and her son early Tuesday morning after executing a warrant at their Bronx residence.
The indictment alleges Jennifer Lackard actively participated in planning and assisting the attempted shooting rather than merely being present during the incident.
Police department distances itself from former official
In announcing Jennifer Lackard’s dismissal, the Mount Vernon Police Department emphasized that the criminal allegations are unrelated to her work with the department.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to its nationally recognized Wellness Unit.
“The department will continue to operate without interruption, and the critical wellness services and support it provides to our officers, civilian employees, their families and the community at large will continue,” the department said.
Because the criminal case is being prosecuted by the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, the department said it would not comment further on the allegations.
The charges remain allegations, and Jennifer Lackard, Chase Lackard and James Lackard are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Local Impact
The arrest and immediate firing of one of Mount Vernon’s highest-ranking police officials has drawn significant attention across the region, particularly because prosecutors allege the incident involved an attempted shooting outside a courthouse and the participation of multiple family members.
Sources
- Bronx County District Attorney’s Office indictment
- Mount Vernon Police Department statement
- New York Daily News reporting
FAQ
- Who was fired? Former Mount Vernon Police Department Deputy Commissioner of Wellness Jennifer Lackard.
- What do prosecutors allege? They allege she helped coordinate an attempted gang-related shooting outside the Bronx Hall of Justice by exchanging text messages with her son and participating in the family’s movements before and after the shooting.
- Was anyone injured? No. Prosecutors said no one was struck by the gunfire.
- Has the police department commented? Yes. The department said Jennifer Lackard was terminated immediately and stated the allegations are unrelated to her official duties.
- Has anyone been convicted? No. The case is pending, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Jennifer Lackard was fired as Mount Vernon’s Deputy Commissioner of Wellness after being criminally charged.
- Prosecutors allege she exchanged text messages helping coordinate an attempted courthouse shooting involving her son.
- No one was injured, and the criminal case remains pending in Bronx County court.
Photo: Satircal rendering of incident
