The Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety in Mount Vernon has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station identified her as 49-year-old Jennifer Lackard and reported that it had just learned she has now been fired by the city of Mount Vernon.
Police say the charge stems from a shooting outside the Bronx Criminal Courthouse, ABC7NY reported. According to the station, investigators allege Lackard acted as the getaway driver for her son, 20-year-old Chase Lackard, after the gunfire outside the courthouse.
Police say the 20-year-old Chase Lackard shot at a rival gang member outside the Bronx Criminal Courthouse, according to ABC7NY. The station placed the alleged attack just steps from one of the hubs of the borough's justice system, framing the location as a striking backdrop for a targeted shooting.
Both the mother and the son were arrested at their home this morning, ABC7NY reported. The station said officers moved on the pair together after tying them to the gunfire outside the courthouse earlier.
Investigators charged both Jennifer and Chase Lackard with attempted murder, attempted assault, conspiracy, and criminal possession of a firearm, according to ABC7NY. The station reported that the mother faces the same set of counts as her son over her alleged role as the getaway driver in the shooting.
ABC7NY reported that it had just learned the city of Mount Vernon has now fired Lackard from her post as deputy commissioner of public safety. The station framed the firing as a fresh development in a still-unfolding case tied to the courthouse shooting.