New York Deputy Police Commissioner Fired After Allegedly Helping Son in Gang Shooting Plot

NEW YORK — A senior New York police official has been fired after prosecutors accused her of helping her son carry out a failed gang-related shooting in the Bronx, a case that has shocked law enforcement officials and raised fresh questions about public trust in policing.

Jennifer Lackard, 49, the former Deputy Police Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Police Department, was arrested alongside her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, who authorities say is affiliated with the street gang known as “Slutty Gang.” Prosecutors allege the shooting targeted members of a rival gang outside the Bronx Criminal Court on June 29.

According to a criminal indictment, Chase Lackard allegedly fired multiple rounds from the back seat of the family’s Chrysler Pacifica toward a group of rivals. No one was struck during the attack, officials said. Prosecutors claim Jennifer Lackard and her husband, James Lackard, drove their son to the scene and assisted in planning the assault.

Investigators further allege that after the shooting, the family attempted to avoid detection by switching seats inside the vehicle while Chase changed clothes before leaving the area. Court documents also claim Jennifer exchanged text messages with her son before the attack, advising him on the timing of the operation. These allegations have not yet been proven in court.

Jennifer Lackard and Chase Lackard were arrested Tuesday morning at their Bronx home. James Lackard, a former heroin dealer who previously served prison time, was reportedly out of state at the time of the arrests. All three have been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, conspiracy, and reckless endangerment.

Within hours of the arrests, the City of Mount Vernon announced Jennifer Lackard’s immediate dismissal from the police department.

In a statement, city officials said the allegations were unrelated to her official duties but confirmed that her employment had been terminated effective immediately. Lackard had overseen the department’s Wellness Unit since 2022 and earned an annual salary of more than $138,000.

The case has generated widespread attention because of Jennifer Lackard’s senior position within law enforcement. Critics argue the allegations, if proven, represent a serious breach of public trust, while legal experts note that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Jennifer Lackard was ordered held on $75,000 bail following her arraignment. Chase Lackard was awaiting arraignment at the time authorities released details of the case, while James Lackard remained outside New York. The criminal proceedings are ongoing.