Family drama is usually messy. But this case took the phrase “family business” to a completely different level. James Lackard, the ex-con husband of former Mount Vernon Deputy Police Commissioner Jennifer Lackard, has surrendered to police over allegations connected to a failed gang shooting involving their son, Chase Lackard.
According to reports, James, 47, walked into the 44th Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx after spending two days avoiding authorities. Apparently, hiding out was no longer part of the game plan. He decided to show up and face the music instead.
James was later arraigned on the same attempted murder indictment that had already been brought against his wife and their 20-year-old son. Prosecutors allege the parents helped their son get involved in a dangerous situation connected to gang activity.
Chase Lackard, described by authorities as a reputed member of the “Slutty Gang,” is accused of being involved in a botched Bronx shooting attempt. Instead of a crime story ending with someone escaping into the night, the investigation reportedly led straight back to his own family.
The pair drove their son to a court appearance at the Bronx Hall of Justice in Concourse on June 29, changed clothes and had his parents circle the block before spotting the intended target, according to prosecutors.
Chase Lackard then opened fire from the window of his parents’ tan Chrysler Pacifica with a semiautomatic gun – missing his target — before his mom allegedly drove to the family home in the Soundview neighborhood.
Jennifer Lackard, 49, and her son were arrested at the home on Tuesday and arraigned on an indictment charging them with attempted murder, conspiracy, attempted assault and gun charges and released on $75,000 bail, court records show.
Chase Lackard was arraigned Wednesday and ordered held without bail.
His dad, who served time in prison on federal drug charges, remained on the loose until he surrendered to police on Thursday, when he was ordered held on $300,000 bail.
At the end of the day, the biggest lesson is simple: family loyalty can be powerful, but it can also come with serious consequences. The Lackard family is now learning that choices made behind closed doors can eventually become very public problems.
