Ex-NY Police Official Accused of Helping Son in Bronx Courthouse Shooting
2 min read
Quick Answer
U.S. authorities have accused Jennifer Lackard, a deputy commissioner with the Mount Vernon Police Department, of helping her 20-year-old son Chase carry out a shooting near the Bronx courthouse on June 29. Investigators say she was in the car during the incident and helped coordinate it by text message, while similar charges were filed against her husband, James Lackard.
Details of the Case
On June 29, 2026, a shooting that some reports described as gang-related occurred near the Bronx courthouse area in New York. The suspect in the incident is Chase Lackard, 20, who allegedly fired shots from inside a vehicle immediately after leaving a hearing in a prior weapons case.
Mother Arrested and Fired From Her Job
On August 4, 2026, authorities arrested Jennifer Lackard and her son Chase at the family's home on Boynton Avenue in the Bronx. Following her arrest, Jennifer was fired from her position as deputy commissioner with the Mount Vernon Police Department. Some reports describe the role specifically as "deputy commissioner for wellness," while others refer to it more generally as a senior public-safety position, with sources not fully agreeing on the exact title.
The Mother's Alleged Role in the Shooting
According to U.S. media reports, investigators believe Jennifer was not merely the getaway driver but was actually inside the car during the shooting, and allegedly helped coordinate the attack through text messages, including one attributed to her that read "the timing has to be right." Notably, the exact wording of this message, and whether it was quoted verbatim or condensed from a longer text, is not fully confirmed in the available sources.
Charges and Initial Rulings
Chase and his mother Jennifer were both charged with attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful weapons possession. According to reports, Chase was ordered held without bail, while Jennifer's bail was set at $75,000, and she pleaded not guilty in court.
The Case Also Involves the Father
The charges were not limited to the mother and son. Reports indicate that James Lackard, Jennifer's husband and Chase's father, was also charged in the same case. However, the available sources do not go into the same level of detail about his alleged role as they do about the mother's.
Written by shindy
Researcher specializing in U.S. news since 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Jennifer Lackard?
A: A former senior official with the Mount Vernon Police Department who was fired after being accused of involvement in a shooting carried out by her son.
Q: When did the shooting take place?
A: On June 29, 2026, near the Bronx courthouse area in New York.
Q: What charges does Chase Lackard face?
A: Attempted murder, conspiracy, and weapons possession; he was ordered held without bail.
Q: Were other family members involved?
A: Yes, the father, James Lackard, was also charged in the same case, though the full details of his alleged role are not yet clear from available sources.
Q: How much was Jennifer Lackard's bail?
A: Her bail was set at $75,000, and she pleaded not guilty.
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