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Mount Vernon Deputy Commissioner Arrested for Alleged Role as Getaway Driver in Bronx Shooting

Prosecutors say surveillance video and text messages connect her to the pickup and the case has prompted scrutiny of Mount Vernon’s hiring and vetting of civilian police leaders.

Overview

  • Prosecutors say a man opened fire near Bronx Criminal Court on June 29 and then ran to a waiting vehicle that investigators allege was driven away by Jennifer Lackard.
  • Authorities arrested Jennifer Lackard and her 20-year-old son Chase at their Bronx home on Tuesday and charged both with attempted murder, attempted assault, weapons counts, conspiracy and reckless endangerment.
  • At her arraignment Jennifer Lackard pleaded not guilty and was released on $75,000 cash bail while Chase was ordered held without bail and remains in custody.
  • Bronx prosecutors say their case relies on surveillance footage and alleged text-message exchanges showing coordination of timing and pickup, and the indictment also names husband James Lackard who was not in custody at the time of the arrests.
  • Mount Vernon fired Lackard effective immediately and city officials face questions about background checks and oversight as the Bronx District Attorney continues its prosecution and further court dates are set for September.