U.S. Marshals Offering up to $5K Reward for LA Man Erroneously Released From Custody

Los Angeles, CA – The U.S. Marshals are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a man who was one of three charged with attempted murder and robbery following the February 24, 2021, attempted kidnapping of three French bulldogs belonging to American popstar Lady Gaga.

James Howard Jackson, 19, was erroneously released from custody April 6, 2022, due to a clerical error.

Jackson is alleged to have shot dog walker Ryan Fischer with a .40-caliber handgun while he was walking the three dogs in Los Angeles. Fischer sustained a through-and-through gunshot wound to his chest and was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 

Two of the pets were stolen by the attackers. Police arrested five people in April in connection with the attack, two of whom were charged as accessories after the fact. Jackson -- along with Jaylin White, 19 and Lafayette Whaley, 27 – were all charged with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree robbery.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crime Team has requested the U.S. Marshals Service’s assistance to find and arrest Jackson. 

Jackson is a black male, with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds.

Jackson should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts should contact law enforcement immediately. Tips may be submitted via the USMS Tips app. 

The USMS Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force is one of eight congressionally supported multi-agency task force whose mission is to focus resources and efforts on the reduction of violence throughout California and Nevada through the identification, investigation, and apprehension of fugitives wanted for egregious crimes against the community, while ensuring the application of equal justice for all. The task force is composed of nine federal and 52 state and local agencies.