Former Mount Vernon Police Official and Son Charged in Bronx Courthouse Shooting

A former high-ranking Mount Vernon police official and her son are facing attempted murder and conspiracy charges following a shooting incident outside the Bronx Hall of Justice on June 29. Jennifer Lackard, who served as the Mount Vernon Police Department’s Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety, was terminated from her post following her arrest on August 4.

Prosecutors allege that 20-year-old Chase Lackard, identified by authorities as a member of the “Slutty Gang,” opened fire on rival gang members from a vehicle near the courthouse. The shooting took place shortly after the younger Lackard had appeared in court for an unrelated firearm case. While no injuries were reported, investigators claim that surveillance footage captured the defendant discharging a weapon from the vehicle.

According to court filings, prosecutors contend that Jennifer Lackard acted as a getaway driver and provided real-time guidance to her son. Assistant District Attorney Keturah Ladd stated during an arraignment that text messages recovered by investigators show the mother instructing her son on the timing of the alleged attack. One exchange reportedly shows the mother telling her son, “The timing has to be right,” after he asked for instructions on where to position himself.

Chase Lackard, who was previously wounded in a 2024 police-involved shooting in the Soundview section of the Bronx, is currently being held without bail. His attorney, Jeff Henle, stated that the matter will be addressed through the legal system rather than public discourse.

Authorities have also indicted James Lackard, the father of the defendant and husband of the former commissioner, on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy. As of Wednesday, he remained at large. Additionally, police arrested Briannah Harris, the younger Lackard’s girlfriend, on weapons possession charges after discovering a firearm during a search of the family’s residence. She was released without bail following her arraignment.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to locate James Lackard. The charges against the family members underscore a complex case involving allegations of coordination between a high-ranking law enforcement official and her son in a violent criminal act.