James Lackard, 47, the ex-con husband of recently fired Mount Vernon Deputy Police Commissioner Jennifer Lackard, surrendered to authorities Thursday morning in connection with a botched hit attempt in the Bronx.
Lackard appeared at the 44th Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx around 8:30 a.m. He was subsequently arraigned on an attempted murder indictment, facing the same charges as his wife and 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard.
According to prosecutors, on June 29, Jennifer Lackard drove her son to the Bronx Hall of Justice for a court appearance. Following the appearance, the family changed clothes, and Chase Lackard's parents circled the block in their Chrysler Pacifica. Chase Lackard then allegedly fired a semiautomatic weapon from the vehicle, missing the intended target. His mother then allegedly drove them back to their home in the Soundview neighborhood.
Jennifer Lackard and Chase Lackard were arrested at their home on August 4 and charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, attempted assault, and gun-related offenses. They were released on $75,000 bail. Chase Lackard was ordered held without bail.
James Lackard, who has a prior prison sentence for federal drug charges, had been a fugitive for two days before his surrender. He was ordered held on $300,000 bail.
Jennifer Lackard, a former member of Bronx Community Board 9, was hired by Mount Vernon in 2020. Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard stated that Lackard passed a rigorous background check and was deemed qualified despite her husband's criminal history.