Ex-Mount Vernon police official was getaway driver in Bronx gang-related shooting, prosecutors say

NEW YORK - A former Mount Vernon deputy police commissioner acted as a getaway driver during a gang-related shooting in the Bronx that led to her and her son's arrest for attempted murder, according to prosecutors. 

What we know:

An indictment alleges Jennifer Lackard, who was fired Tuesday from the Mount Vernon Police Department, helped plan a hit on a rival gang with her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, as the gunman. 

Police said Chase Lackard was a member of the so-called "Slutty Gang."

According to the prosecutors, Chase Lackard's parents drove him to the Bronx Criminal Courthouse on the morning of June 29. 

"The vehicle was then captured on surveillance near the courthouse dropping this defendant off around 10:50 in the morning. He had a court appearance on the third floor of this building," said Bronx Assistant District Attorney Keturah Ladd.

He went inside, then came back downstairs and got into a Chrysler Pacifica with his parents, according to officials.  The minivan then circled the area at least four times. 

Prosecutors said Chase Lackard then got out of the minivan briefly and looked toward a breezeway. He allegedly then got back into the van and fired on a rival gang member. 

"The rear drivers side window is rolled down and numerous shots are discharged from that window. We then observed the father who was driving, James Lackard, during the time of the shooting, change seats with Jennifer Lackard, who then gets into the driver's seat and the vehicle is then driven back to their residence," said Ladd. "It appears based on our investigation that he purposely brought a change of clothes and that he changed his clothes post-shooting to evade police."

No one was injured in the shooting, police said. 

Chase Lackard pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday at the same courthouse. He and his mother were being held at Rikers Island. 

Dig deeper:

Police said Chase Lackard's father, James Lackard, was also being sought in the case.

A source told FOX 5 NY he may have fled out of the state. 

Read the indictment

What they're saying:

The City of Mount Vernon said Jennifer Lackard underwent a rigorous background check before she was fired and nothing at the time disqualified her from employment. The city said it was aware of her husband's criminal history, but added that it did not disqualify her either. 

Here is the full statement from the city:

The recent criminal charges involving former civilian Deputy Commissioner of Wellness and Reform Jennifer Lackard have raised questions about the City's hiring process and the circumstances surrounding her employment.

Jennifer Lackard was hired in July 2020 as Second Deputy Commissioner of Special Initiatives. The position was created during a pivotal period of 21st Century Policing, criminal justice reform, and nationwide calls for police reform. Although this was not a sworn law enforcement position, it was a civilian leadership role established to help strengthen trust between the Police Department and the community while supporting procedural justice and officer wellness.

Ms. Lackard brought nearly 15 years of professional experience in human services; including mental health, substance abuse treatment, DWI intervention, reentry services, community and coalition building, and criminal justice reform.

While the position was civilian in nature, Ms. Lackard was required to undergo a rigorous background investigation and employment screening, including fingerprinting, medical clearance, a driving abstract, financial disclosures, and a criminal background check. Based on the background investigation, she met the qualifications for the civilian position. There was no information that disqualified her from employment.

As part of the hiring process, information regarding her husband's prior criminal history was disclosed and reviewed and deemed not to be disqualifying for her civilian position. 

No employer can predict future personal conduct. Mount Vernon has faced challenges before, and we have always responded with accountability, transparency, and resilience. We remain committed to those principles as this matter proceeds through the criminal justice system, and we will continue strengthening the institutions that serve our residents.

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