By Tiffany Williams –
NEW YORK — Authorities across New York and neighboring New Jersey are investigating a series of high-profile criminal cases, public safety incidents and legal developments, including the arrest of a Mount Vernon public safety official, an officer-involved shooting on Long Island, the death of an NYPD officer overseas, a death inside a New Jersey immigration detention facility, a federal court ruling on immigration enforcement, and an early-morning subway fire in Manhattan.
Deputy Public Safety Commissioner Arrested
The deputy commissioner of public safety for Mount Vernon has been arrested after prosecutors accused her of helping her son flee following a Bronx shooting connected to an alleged gang dispute.
Jennifer Lackard, 49, and her 20-year-old son, Chase Lackard, were taken into custody Tuesday morning at their home on Boynton Avenue.
Investigators allege Chase Lackard fired multiple shots from a vehicle on June 29 behind the Bronx Criminal Courthouse near East 162nd Street and Grand Avenue. Authorities said the shooting was linked to an ongoing gang dispute and that he allegedly targeted a rival gang member but did not strike anyone.
Prosecutors allege Jennifer Lackard was driving the vehicle during the shooting and drove away afterward to help her son escape.
Both Jennifer Lackard and Chase Lackard face charges of attempted murder, attempted assault, criminal possession of a firearm, conspiracy and reckless endangerment.
The City of Mount Vernon announced that Jennifer Lackard’s employment has been terminated.
“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 city said in a statement.
Jennifer Lackard was appointed deputy commissioner of wellness in 2020 during the George Floyd protests. She has also been recognized for her work with re-entry programs and previously served two terms on Community Board 9 in the Bronx.
Authorities noted that Chase Lackard has previously been shot by NYPD officers on two occasions.
Jennifer Lackard pleaded not guilty to the indictment. Her attorney told the court that the picture presented by prosecutors is completely different from her life and career. Bail was set at $75,000, and she is scheduled to return to court in September.
Police Shoot Armed Man on Long Island
A man is recovering after being shot by police Monday night during a confrontation involving a knife in Westbury on Long Island.
Police identified the man as 27-year-old Adrian Thompson, who now faces two counts of menacing a police officer.
According to investigators, officers responded around 10 p.m. after receiving reports of a man acting irrationally while carrying a large knife and threatening to stab people.
Authorities said Thompson emerged from bushes, ran toward a police vehicle and smashed the passenger-side window with the knife.
Police said the officer seated in the passenger seat fired two shots but missed.
Investigators said Thompson then moved behind the patrol vehicle, where a second officer fired one shot that struck him in the face.
Police said the bullet entered one side of Thompson’s jaw and exited the other.
Thompson was transported to Nassau University Medical Center, where he is recovering.
Police said Thompson was once a medical student at Columbia University and is well-educated. His parents told authorities he has been suffering from depression and may have been using drugs or sniffing glue.
NYPD Officer Dies While Off Duty
The New York City Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Rebecca De Paula, who died in the Dominican Republic after suffering complications from recent cosmetic surgery.
Rebecca De Paula was assigned to the 46th Precinct in the Fordham section of the Bronx. She joined the department in January 2025 and was recognized as the precinct’s “officer of the month” earlier this year.
New York City PBA President Patrick Hendry remembered the young officer following her death.
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our sister P.O. Rebecca DePaula, who passed away while off duty after only 18 months on the job,” New York City PBA President Patrick Hendry said in a statement. “We ask all New Yorkers to keep her family, friends, and coworkers in your prayers during this difficult time.”
Death Reported at Immigration Detention Facility
Federal officials said a man from El Salvador died while being held at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey that has faced months of protests over conditions inside the facility.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified the man as 41-year-old Edwin Lopez-Cornejo.
According to ICE, Lopez-Cornejo had been detained after his June 18 arrest. The agency said he died Saturday.
Officials said the official cause of death will be determined following further medical examination.
Federal Judge Blocks New York Immigration Restrictions
A federal judge ruled Monday that New York cannot prohibit federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings or require them to display visible identification while conducting enforcement operations.
The ruling follows a separate federal court decision issued earlier this year that blocked a similar California law enacted after the Trump administration expanded immigration enforcement efforts.
Subway Fire Injures Multiple Workers
An early-morning fire aboard a work train temporarily disrupted subway service and injured multiple people at Manhattan’s Astor Place station.
The Fire Department of New York said the fire broke out around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday on a southbound No. 4 work train used to vacuum subway tracks.
Officials emphasized the train was not carrying passengers.
Eight Metropolitan Transportation Authority workers and six firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Service on the 4 and 6 subway lines later resumed but continued operating with significant delays while crews completed their response.