MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — The City of Mount Vernon has terminated Deputy Commissioner of Wellness Jennifer Lackard following her arrest and indictment in connection with an alleged gang-related shooting outside the Bronx Criminal Courthouse.
Lackard, 49, and her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, were arrested Tuesday morning at their home on Boynton Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. They face charges that include attempted murder, attempted assault, criminal possession of a weapon, conspiracy and reckless endangerment.
Prosecutors allege Chase Lackard opened fire from a Chrysler Pacifica near East 162nd Street and Grand Avenue, an intersection located directly behind the Bronx County Hall of Justice, shortly before midnight on June 29, targeting individuals believed to be affiliated with a rival gang. No one was struck or injured.
Court filings reportedly allege that Jennifer Lackard participated in planning her son’s escape from the scene. Prosecutors claim text messages show Chase directing his mother to position herself near the courthouse when he exited, and that she discussed timing the pickup to avoid waiting directly outside. Additional court allegations describe the family leaving the area and stopping near their home so Chase could change his clothing.
Lackard pleaded not guilty. Her attorney argued that the allegations presented by prosecutors are inconsistent with her life, career and record of community service. Bail was set at $75,000, and she is expected to return to court in September.
Hours after the arrest, the Mount Vernon Police Department announced that Lackard’s employment had been terminated effective immediately at approximately 1:09 pm.
“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 continue as 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,” the city stated.
Mount Vernon officials said the department’s nationally recognized Wellness Unit will continue to operate without interruption, providing services to police officers, civilian employees, their families, and the broader community.
Because the case is being prosecuted by the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, the Mount Vernon Police Department said it would not comment further on the underlying allegations.
Lackard was appointed deputy commissioner of wellness in 2020. Before joining the department, she was known for her work involving reentry programs and previously served two terms on Bronx Community Board 9.
Mount Vernon City Council President Derrick Thompson said the council was alarmed by the arrest but would await additional verified information before drawing conclusions.
“As Council President of the City of Mount Vernon, I was alarmed to learn about the arrest involving Deputy Police Commissioner Jennifer Lackard. At the time, the Mount Vernon City Council is awaiting additional facts as the investigation into the incident in the Bronx involving Deputy Commissioner Lackard and her son continues. We firmly believe in the principle of due process and that every individual deserves a fair and impartial process,” Thompson stated. “For that reason, we will refrain from drawing conclusions until all of the facts have been gathered.”
Thompson added that the council’s primary responsibility remains serving Mount Vernon residents and ensuring that one incident does not overshadow the work of the city’s public servants, businesses and community leaders.
The charges are allegations, and Lackard and the other defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Stay with Black Westchester for continuing coverage as additional information becomes available.
