Mount Vernon has fired Deputy Police Commissioner Jennifer Lackard after she and her 20-year-old son were arrested in an investigation into shots fired outside Bronx Criminal Court on June 29. Both face charges including attempted murder, attempted assault, unlawful gun possession, conspiracy and reckless endangerment; no one was injured. The city said the allegations are unrelated to Lackard’s official duties. The arrests revive prior violent incidents involving her son, who was previously shot and charged in separate episodes.
Mount Vernon Deputy Police Commissioner Fired After Arrest in Alleged Bronx Court Shooting
'The city of Mount Vernon said in an Instagram post that it had terminated Jennifer Lackard.'Photograph: Google Maps
Mount Vernon, N.Y. — Mount Vernon city officials announced on Tuesday that Deputy Police Commissioner Jennifer Lackard has been terminated after she and her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, were arrested in connection with an investigation into shots fired outside Bronx Criminal Court on June 29.
According to reporting by the New York Daily News citing law enforcement sources, police arrested Jennifer Lackard, 49, and Chase during an early-morning raid at their Bronx home. Local prosecutors have charged both with attempted murder, attempted assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, conspiracy and reckless endangerment in relation to the incident. Authorities say no one was struck or injured.
Allegations and Arrest
Investigators allege Chase Lackard fired shots at a group outside the courthouse and then fled the scene by jumping into a vehicle driven by his mother. The Bronx County District Attorney’s Office has filed the charges, according to local reporting. Media outlets, including The Guardian, have requested comment from the district attorney’s office.
Mount Vernon Response
In an Instagram post, the city of Mount Vernon said it had "terminated Jennifer Lackard's employment" with immediate effect and described the allegations as "unrelated to her duties" with the Mount Vernon Police Department. The statement identified Lackard as the city's former deputy police commissioner of wellness and said the allegations "do not stem from any conduct associated with the department or the performance of her official responsibilities." Mount Vernon officials also said they "will not comment on the underlying allegations."
“Effective immediately, the city of Mount Vernon has terminated Jennifer Lackard's employment. The allegations are unrelated to her duties with the Mount Vernon [police] and do not stem from any conduct associated with the department or the performance of her official responsibilities.”
Background: Prior Incidents Involving Chase Lackard
The arrests have revived earlier episodes of violence involving Chase. Public records and prior reporting say:
- In January 2023, when he was 17, Chase was reportedly shot in the chest aboard a bus during an apparent dispute over gang signs; a 14-year-old from a rival gang was later arrested and charged with attempted murder in that incident.
- In November 2024, Bronx police officers shot Chase, then 19, after alleging he pointed a 9mm pistol at an officer’s vehicle; he was hospitalized with two gunshot wounds to the leg and subsequently charged.
- New York City Police Department officials also said Lackard was arrested on a gun charge in September 2024.
When the 2023 shooting occurred, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard called Jennifer Lackard "a valuable member of our leadership team" and said the city was praying for the family. Following the later incidents, the mayor described the matter as a "personal matter" and offered support for the family.
Other Details
Public transparency records on SeeThroughNY list Jennifer Lackard’s salary as $138,219 for 2025. On Tuesday, no attorneys for either Jennifer or Chase Lackard were immediately listed in public filings.
This article will be updated with any official statements from the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office or the Mount Vernon Police Department.
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