A senior police official in New York is facing serious criminal charges after prosecutors alleged she and her husband helped their son carry out a planned shooting targeting a rival group in the Bronx.

According to an indictment unsealed Tuesday, Jennifer Lackard, who served as Deputy Police Commissioner in Mount Vernon, and her husband, James Lackard, allegedly drove their 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, to the Bronx on the night of June 29.

Prosecutors claim the family traveled together to an area near Bronx Criminal Court, where Chase Lackard allegedly opened fire toward a group of individuals believed to be affiliated with a rival street gang. Authorities said no one was struck during the incident.

Investigators allege the parents played active roles before and after the shooting. Court documents claim Jennifer Lackard exchanged text messages with her son while the plan was unfolding, including messages that prosecutors say discussed the timing and location of the attack.

After the shooting, prosecutors allege the three attempted to avoid detection by changing seating positions inside the vehicle and having Chase Lackard change his clothing before returning home.

Jennifer Lackard and her son were arrested Tuesday morning. Authorities said James Lackard was out of state and had not been taken into custody as of Tuesday evening.

The City of Mount Vernon announced that Jennifer Lackard’s employment with the police department had been terminated effective immediately. Officials stated that the allegations are unrelated to her official duties and did not arise from her work with the department.

The three defendants are facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy and reckless endangerment. Jennifer Lackard was arraigned Tuesday and ordered held on $75,000 bail, while her son was awaiting arraignment.

The investigation has also drawn attention to the family’s background. Court records show James Lackard previously served time in federal prison on a heroin distribution conspiracy conviction before his release in 2020.

Authorities further allege that Chase Lackard had previous encounters with law enforcement, including a 2024 incident in which he was accused of pointing a firearm at police officers and an earlier shooting in 2023 in which he was seriously injured during an altercation aboard a Bronx bus.

The case has generated significant public attention because it involves a senior law enforcement official accused of participating in a violent criminal conspiracy alongside members of her own family.

Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence as the case moves through the court system. As with all criminal cases, the allegations contained in the indictment remain accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.