New York Police Official Accused in Gang Shooting Case

A New York police official, Jennifer Lackard, is accused of driving the getaway car in a gang-related shooting involving her son. Court records show that Lackard, 49, and her son, Chase, 20, have been arrested by New York Police Department in connection to a drive-by shooting on June 29, targeting rival gang members near the Bronx Criminal Court.

Before her arrest, Lackard served as the deputy commissioner of wellness for the Mount Vernon Police Department. In this role, she was responsible for police reform, the implementation of civilian complaint review boards, and officer wellness initiatives. The City of Mount Vernon has now terminated her employment due to these allegations.

Lackard has ties to Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard as both are members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. In a prior statement, the city praised Lackard for her experience and resources. She had been involved in community work, particularly in prison re-entry initiatives at Grace Baptist Church and Westchester County since 2015.

Lackard’s hiring in July 2020 marked her first experience with a police department. She had previously served on the Westchester County Probation Advisory Board and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Implementation Task Force.

The Mount Vernon City’s statement on social media emphasized the termination of Lackard’s employment is unrelated to her duties with the police department, noting that these allegations don’t arise from her official responsibilities.

Fox News Digital has attempted to contact Patterson-Howard and Delta Sigma Theta for comments. Attorneys representing Jennifer and Chase Lackard have not yet commented.