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See the full story · 3 sourcesSon of ex-Mount Vernon official appears in court in Bronx shooting case By Eyewitness News Wednesday, August 5, 2026 10:47AM Phil Taitt has more on the case. MOUNT VERNON, New York (WABC) -- Mount Vernon's deputy commissioner of public safety was arrested for allegedly being the getaway driver for her son, who is accused of shooting at a rival gang member earlier this summer.
The son of former Mount Vernon Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Lackard is expected to appear before a judge Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after his mother was arraigned on allegations that she acted as his getaway driver following a Bronx gang-related shooting.
Jennifer Lackard, 49, appeared in court Tuesday night with her hands behind her back as she faced charges including attempted murder, conspiracy and criminal weapons possession.
Prosecutors allege her son, 20-year-old Chase Lackard, opened fire on a rival gang member on June 29 behind the Bronx Criminal Courthouse near East 162nd Street and Grand Avenue. Investigators said no one was struck in the shooting.
Authorities said surveillance video captured the incident and text messages between Chase Lackard and his mother allegedly showed her coordinating where and when to pick him up after the shooting.
"He responded, 'When?? You can't just be standing out front. The timing has to be right,'" a prosecutor said in court while reading one of the messages.
Prosecutors allege Jennifer Lackard was waiting outside the courthouse and drove her son away from the scene.
The city of Mount Vernon announced this week that Jennifer Lackard's employment as deputy commissioner has been terminated.
Her son has a history with the NYPD and has been shot by police on two occasions.
Also arraigned in the case Tuesday was Chase Lackard's girlfriend, Brianna Harris. Court proceedings did not detail her alleged role in the case, but she was released on her own recognizance.
Court documents also revealed Jennifer Lackard's ex-husband was inside the vehicle at the time of the alleged getaway. Authorities have not said whether he will face any charges.
When Chase Lackard appears before a judge Wednesday, prosecutors are expected to reference his prior criminal history. In 2024, surveillance video allegedly captured him pointing a gun at an NYPD officer. A year earlier, he was shot while riding on a bus.
Jennifer Lackard has pleaded not guilty. During Tuesday's arraignment, her attorney argued that the allegations presented by prosecutors do not reflect her decades of public service, noting she spent years working on community wellness and re-entry initiatives. Her bail was set at $75,000, and she is due back in court in September.
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