Former Mount Vernon Police Official Arrested in Connection with Gang-Related Shooting: Details and Reactions
A police official from suburban New York was arrested for allegedly driving the getaway car in a gang-related shooting involving her son. Jennifer Lackard, 49, and her son Chase, 20, were taken into custody by the New York Police Department in connection with the incident. Lackard previously held the position of deputy commissioner of wellness at the Mount Vernon Police Department, located near the Bronx.
Mount Vernon, where Lackard worked, is situated north of New York City and shares a border with the Bronx. Lackard and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard are members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Lackard's responsibilities in her former role included overseeing police reform, implementing civilian complaint review boards, and focusing on officer wellness.
When Lackard was hired, the city highlighted her experience and community involvement, such as leading a prison re-entry ministry and organizing events for Westchester County. Lackard admitted in a 2020 interview that it was a significant change for her to work in law enforcement, as she had no prior experience in that field. She had previously served on advisory boards related to probation and criminal justice in New York City.
Following the arrest, the City of Mount Vernon terminated Lackard's employment, stating that the allegations were not related to her duties within the police department. Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Patterson-Howard and the Delta Sigma Theta organization for their comments on the situation. Attorneys for Jennifer and Chase Lackard have not responded to requests for comment.