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 A Gangbanger family is at the center of a sweeping criminal case.  Prosecutors alleged that a high-ranking Westchester County police official and her husband helped their adult son carry out a botched shooting targeting rival gang members outside the Bronx Criminal Court.

Authorities said Jennifer Lackard, the now-fired deputy police commissioner of Mount Vernon, and her husband, James Lackard, allegedly drove their 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, to the Bronx on June 29. Prosecutors say he attempted to gun down members of a rival street crew. 

Gangbanger Family Faces Charges

According to the indictment, the shooting failed to hit its intended targets, and the family allegedly worked together to flee the scene and conceal evidence.

The three family members face multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy and reckless endangerment.

According to court documents, Jennifer and James Lackard drove their son in the family's Chrysler Pacifica to the area near the Bronx Hall of Justice on East 161st Street shortly before noon.

Prosecutors Detail Alleged Role of Gangbanger Family 

Prosecutors allege Chase Lackard, who authorities say is affiliated with the "Slutty Gang" street gang, entered the courthouse before returning to the vehicle wearing a mask.

After the family drove around the neighborhood, investigators say Chase fired multiple rounds from a semiautomatic handgun through the vehicle toward members of the rival "P. Laafay" crew.

Authorities said none of the intended victims were struck.

The indictment alleges the family immediately fled the area before switching seats inside the vehicle.  Prosecutors also claim Chase changed clothing in the back seat in an effort to avoid identification before he was driven home.

Coordinated Hit Attempt

Investigators also cited text messages allegedly exchanged between Chase and his mother before the shooting.

One message allegedly instructed Jennifer Lackard to position the vehicle near the courthouse exit. Prosecutors say she responded by cautioning that the timing had to be coordinated so the vehicle would not appear suspicious.

Jennifer Lackard Fired Following Arrest

Jennifer Lackard, 49, was arrested Tuesday morning at her Bronx residence and later arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court. A judge ordered her held on $75,000 bail.

Within hours of her arrest, the City of Mount Vernon announced that her employment as deputy police commissioner had been terminated.

City officials emphasized that the allegations were unrelated to her official responsibilities with the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Lackard had served as deputy commissioner overseeing the department's Wellness Unit after being appointed in 2022. Before joining the department, she worked in social service and reentry programs designed to assist formerly incarcerated individuals.

During interviews after her appointment, she advocated for responding to mental health crises using alternatives to traditional police tactics.

Husband Flees and Remains Out of State

Authorities allege James Lackard played an active role in planning and carrying out the escape after the shooting.

According to prosecutors, he drove portions of the route, switched seats with his wife following the gunfire and helped transport Chase away from the crime scene.

As of Tuesday evening, James Lackard had not been taken into custody. Law enforcement sources said he was believed to be out- of- state.

Federal prison records show James Lackard previously served approximately a decade in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in North Carolina. He was released from federal custody in February 2020.

Son Had Other Violent Encounters

Prosecutors say Chase Lackard had a documented history of violent encounters before the June shooting.  He has been identified as a member of the Bronx, New York “Slutty Gang.”

In November 2024, authorities said he pointed a loaded Glock 43 handgun at responding police officers during a dispute in the Bronx. Officers shot him twice in the leg after the confrontation, and he was later charged with criminal use of a firearm and menacing a police officer.

An even earlier incident occurred in January 2023, when Chase was shot in the chest aboard a Bx5 bus in the Soundview neighborhood.

Gangbanger Family Violence was Escalating

Police said he allegedly flashed gang signs, questioned several teenagers about their gang affiliation and attempted to pull one youth off the bus before another individual opened fire, striking him in the chest.

Despite surviving both incidents, prosecutors now allege Chase escalated his involvement in gang violence through the attempted June shooting.

His girlfriend was also reportedly arrested, although prosecutors have not publicly detailed her alleged involvement in the case.

Community Reacts to Mount Vernon Gangbanger Family Scandal

The arrests have intensified scrutiny of Mount Vernon, a city of roughly 70,000 residents bordering the Bronx that has experienced repeated political and government controversies in recent years.

Law enforcement activist Damon Jones, publisher of Black Westchester Magazine and a retired Westchester County corrections officer, described the allegations as another damaging episode for the city.

Jones criticized the decision to appoint Jennifer Lackard to a senior leadership role despite her background being rooted in social services rather than traditional policing, saying the allegations further undermine public confidence in the department.

The criminal case remains under prosecution in Bronx Supreme Court.

More Information

• New York State Unified Court System – https://ww2.nycourts.gov/
• Bronx District Attorney's Office – https://www.bronxda.nyc.gov/
• Mount Vernon Police Department – https://www.cmvny.com/
• New York Police Department – https://www.nyc.gov/nypd