A Mount Vernon police official and her son were arrested Tuesday in connection with a June 29 drive-by shooting near the Bronx Criminal Court, according to court records.
Jennifer Lackard, 49, who previously served as the deputy commissioner of wellness for the Mount Vernon Police Department, and her son Chase Lackard, 20, were taken into custody by the New York Police Department. Both face charges related to the alleged gang-related shooting.
The incident occurred in Mount Vernon, a suburban city bordering the Bronx in Westchester County. Authorities allege Lackard drove the getaway car while her son participated in the shooting, which targeted rival gang members.
Arrest Details and Charges
Lackard’s arrest follows her tenure in a role focused on police reform, civilian complaint review board implementation, and officer wellness. Prior to her position with the Mount Vernon Police Department, she had no prior experience working within a police department, as acknowledged in a 2020 interview with Gothamist.
Her son, Chase Lackard, was also charged in connection with the shooting. The specific charges against both individuals have not been detailed in the available records.
Connections to Local Leadership
Reports indicate that Lackard and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard are members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, according to the New York Post. This connection has raised questions about potential influences on Lackard’s hiring and role within the police department.
In a statement following her arrest, the City of Mount Vernon acknowledged Lackard’s prior community work, including her role as president of the Station of Hope prison re-entry ministry at Grace Baptist Church and her involvement in organizing re-entry meetups for Westchester County since 2015. She also held advisory roles on the Westchester County Probation Advisory Board and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Implementation Task Force.
Background on Lackard’s Role
Lackard’s position as deputy commissioner of wellness was described by the city as bringing "a wealth of knowledge and resources" to Mount Vernon. Her responsibilities included overseeing police reform initiatives and officer wellness programs. Her hiring was framed as a community-driven decision, emphasizing her background in social services and advocacy.
The arrest has prompted scrutiny over her qualifications for the role and the circumstances surrounding her appointment. Questions have emerged regarding the vetting process and whether her connections to local leadership played a role in her hiring.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The New York Police Department continues to investigate the June 29 shooting and the roles of both Lackard and her son. Additional charges or details may be forthcoming as the case develops. The Mount Vernon Police Department has not issued further statements regarding the arrest or its impact on department operations.
The case raises broader discussions about police accountability, hiring practices, and the intersection of community advocacy with law enforcement roles.