New York public safety official arrested for allegedly helping son flee shooting in city: police

NEW YORK -- A public safety official for a New York state police department faces criminal charges, including attempted murder, for allegedly helping her son flee a gang-related shooting in New York City, according to authorities.

Jennifer Lackard was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a June shooting behind a Bronx courthouse, police said. The Mount Vernon Police Department deputy commissioner is accused of "acting in concert" with her husband and their son in the incident, according to an indictment charging all three with more than a dozen counts -- including second-degree attempted murder, firearm offenses and conspiracy.

Jennifer Lackard's son, 20-year-old Chase Lackard, is accused in the indictment of firing a semiautomatic firearm from a vehicle toward a group of individuals behind the Bronx Hall of Justice on June 29. He was allegedly aiming at a rival gang member but did not strike anyone, police told ABC New York stationWABC.

Prosecutors allege that after Jennifer Lackard drove them from a Bronx residence to the courthouse that morning, she texted with her son about picking him up after they both left the vehicle and he went into the building.

"Be directly In Fromt (sic) When I Leave," he allegedly texted her, according to the indictment.

She allegedly responded, "When?" followed by, "You can't just sit directly outside. It has to be timed right," according to the indictment.

After picking them both up in front of the Bronx Hall of Justice, James Lackard allegedly drove the vehicle behind the courthouse, where Chase Lackard is accused of discharging the firearm multiple times through the driver's side passenger window, according to the indictment.

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After allegedly fleeing, Jennifer Lackard got into the driver's seat and drove them back to the residence, according to the indictment. Her son changed his clothing "to avoid identification," the indictment alleged.

Jennifer Lackard, 49, worked for the Mount Vernon Police Department's public safety department as the deputy commissioner of wellness. She has been terminated effective immediately, the police department said Tuesday.

"The allegations are unrelated to her duties with the Mount Vernon Police Department and do not stem from any conduct associated with the Department or the performance of her official responsibilities," the Mount Vernon Police Department said in a statement.

The police department said it will not comment on the allegations in the case, being prosecuted by the Bronx County District Attorney's Office, due to the active investigation.

Jennifer Lackard and her son were arrested at their home Tuesday morning, the New York Police Department said.

She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on Tuesday, during which her attorney maintained that Jennifer Lackard has dedicated her career to helping others. She remains in custody on $75,000 bail and is due back in court in September.

When reached for comment, her attorney told ABC News she was unable to speak at this time.

Chase Lackard pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Wednesday and was remanded into custody. He is also due back in court next month. ABC News has reached out to his attorney for comment.

James Lackard has not been apprehended, according to the Bronx District Attorney's Office.