Jennifer Lackard
By Dan Murphy
Westchester law enforcement is shocked by the recent arrest and indictment of Mt. Vernon Deputy Police Commissioner Jennifer Lackard, her husband James Lackard, and their son Chase Lackard, for attempted murder.
Date and location- According to the investigation, on June 29, 2026, at approximately 11:57 am, in the vicinity of 265 East 161st Street, (Bronx County Hall of Justice) Chase Lackard, allegedly discharged numerous gunshots from a loaded semiautomatic firearm from the rear driver’s side window of a tan Chrysler Pacifica, as his father was in the driver’s seat and his mother in the passenger seat.
Chase Lackard allegedly fired his weapon in the direction of a group of individuals standing in the breezeway of the courthouse. One of the individuals in the group is a reputed member of a rival Sex Money Murder crew. After the shooting, Jennifer Lackard switched from the front passenger seat to the driver’s seat of the vehicle as her husband relocated to the passenger seat.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “These defendants allegedly conspired with each other to drive from their Bronx residence to the Hall of Justice for the purpose of shooting someone. Despite multiple shots being fired, thankfully no one was hit. It is stunning that this public official would jeopardize her position and reputation to be involved in this alleged conspiracy.”
Clark said that defendants Jennifer Lackard, 49, James Lackard, 55 and their son Chase Lackard, 20, of Boynton Avenue, the Bronx, were arraigned on the following charges – second-degree Conspiracy, fourth-degree Conspiracy, Attempted Murder in the second-degree, second-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, Attempted Assault in the first-degree, second-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, first-degree Reckless Endangerment, two counts of Attempted Assault in the second degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, second-degree Reckless Endangerment and fourth degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
Jennifer Lackard was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurence Busching on August 4, 2026. Bail was set at $75,000/$150,000/$150,000. People requested $150,000/$450,000/$450,000.
Chase Lackard was arraigned on August 5, 2026, before Judge Busching. He was remanded. James Lackard was arraigned before Judge Busching on August 6, 2026. Bail was set at $150,000/$300,000/$300,000 with a 72-hour surety.
James Lackard was also ordered to surrender his passport. All three defendants are due back in court.
At the time of the shooting, Jennifer Lackard was serving as a Deputy Commissioner in the
Mount Vernon Police Department. She drove Chase and James Lackard back to their residence on Boynton Avenue after the shooting.
When Chase Lackard exited the vehicle, he was wearing clothing different from that he wore at the courthouse.
On August 4, 2026, a search warrant was executed inside the Lackard residence. During the execution of that search warrant, a loaded .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol was recovered from a purse inside Chase Lackard’s bedroom. However, it does not appear to be the same firearm used on the day of the shooting.
Lackard was fired immediately after the news broke. “The Mount Vernon Police Department is aware of the criminal charges filed by the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office against former Deputy Commissioner of Wellness, Jennifer Lackard. 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 Department and do not stem from any conduct associated with the Department or the performance of her official responsibilities.
“The Mount Vernon Police Department remains fully committed 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 remain part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its workforce.
“As this is an active criminal matter being prosecuted by the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, the Mount Vernon Police Department will not comment on the underlying allegations.”
When reporter Tony Aielo asked how Lackard was hired, the city issued another statement. “Statement on Vetting and Hiring Process of Jennifer Lackard. 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, 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. No information disqualified her from employment. As part of the hiring process, information regarding her husband’s prior criminal history was disclosed, reviewed, and deemed not 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.
The Mt. Vernon community was shocked, saddened, and concerned about the City’s future. Mt. Vernon NewsCenter, https://www.facebook.com/MTVNewsCenter, summed up the residents’ feelings, writing, “The latest arrest has intensified scrutiny of the Mount Vernon Police Department and City Hall. Jennifer Lackard, who earned $138,219 from the department last year according to public payroll records, now faces criminal charges stemming from allegations that she acted as the getaway driver. Lackard has been charged but has not been convicted, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
“Some residents are now calling on federal authorities to expand their review of the city’s operations and are urging Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard to explain what additional steps will be taken to restore public trust.
“Public records also show that Jennifer Lackard’s husband, James “Big Jimmy” O’Brien Lackard, was charged in federal court in North Carolina in 2012 in connection with a heroin distribution conspiracy. Those charges occurred years before Jennifer Lackard’s appointment in Mount Vernon, and there is no public evidence that they are connected to the allegations in her current criminal case.”
Westchester law enforcement also couldn’t believe it. “I think the way in which she was hired needs to be reviewed. The City’s statement that her husband’s crimes did not disqualify her is a bad decision that needs review. All three members of this family appear to be involved in this crime, but are there others?” said one member of Westchester law enforcement.
Another said, “This is exactly what the men and women who wear blue don’t need right now. It is hard enough to win the community’s support during this time. For Lackard to make this decision also defies logic. Did she think she would get away with it? Did she ever consider the consequences and the impact it has on all members of the department? It’s a disgrace to all police.”