Deputy Police Commissioner Charged in Bronx Drive‑by Shooting Highlights Mount Vernon Corruption
Mount Vernon Police Scandal Unfolds
On June 29, 2026 an attempted gang‑related shooting took place outside the Bronx Criminal Court. Chase Lackard, a 20‑year‑old reputed gang member, fired several rounds at a rival but missed his target. The incident was captured by witnesses and quickly linked to the Lackard family.
Investigators uncovered text messages in which Jennifer Lackard, then Deputy Police Commissioner of Mount Vernon, instructed her son on the timing of the attack, saying, “It has to be timed right.” After the shooting, she and her husband James drove the family to the court, circled the block, and later switched seats so Chase could change clothes before fleeing the area. Both parents were arrested at their home and charged as accomplices.
Jennifer Lackard had risen to the deputy commissioner role in 2020 despite lacking police experience, a background that included an ex‑convict husband who previously served time for drug offenses. Her appointment was tied to personal connections with Mayor Shawyn Patterson‑Howard, a sorority sister, raising questions about favoritism and political influence in hiring decisions.
The fallout was swift. The Mount Vernon Police Department terminated Jennifer Lackard immediately, stating the allegations were unrelated to her official duties. Community leaders and law‑enforcement advocates called for a formal probe, emphasizing that the case illustrates how family ties can undermine public trust in policing.
Mayor Patterson‑Howard faced mounting criticism for her role in hiring Lackard and for previously attributing the appointment to a late former commissioner. Critics argue that the mayor’s defense of the hiring decision reflects a broader pattern of overlooking qualifications in favor of personal loyalty.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, with both Jennifer and James Lackard facing charges of attempted murder and conspiracy. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparent hiring practices, robust oversight, and accountability within law‑enforcement agencies.
