A police official from suburban New York is facing charges for allegedly driving the getaway car in a gang-related shooting involving her son. Jennifer Lackard, aged 49, and her son Chase, 20, were arrested by the New York Police Department in connection with a drive-by shooting on June 29. The incident occurred near the Bronx Criminal Court and involved rival gang members.
Before her arrest, Lackard served as the deputy commissioner of wellness for the Mount Vernon Police Department. She was reportedly connected to the mayor’s office at the time she assumed her leadership role. The City of Mount Vernon, which borders the Bronx, is situated just north of New York City.
Jennifer Lackard and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard are affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta sorority, as reported by the New York Post. In her previous role, Lackard was responsible for tasks such as police reform, implementing a civilian complaint review board, and officer wellness.
Lackard’s hiring was announced by the city, highlighting her extensive experience and resources. She had actively worked as President of the Station of Hope prison re-entry ministry at Grace Baptist Church. Additionally, she organized the Re-Entry Meetup for Westchester County since 2015.
In a past interview, Lackard acknowledged the risk taken by the department in hiring her, as she had no prior police department experience. Her employment with the City of Mount Vernon began in July 2020.
Previously, she held advisory roles with the Westchester County Probation Advisory Board and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Implementation Task Force.
Following her arrest, the City of Mount Vernon issued a statement announcing the termination of Lackard’s employment, clarifying that the allegations against her are not related to her official duties or conduct within the police department.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Mount Vernon Mayor Patterson-Howard and Delta Sigma Theta for comments on the situation. Attorneys representing Jennifer and Chase Lackard have yet to respond to requests for comments.