Additional Coverage:
A 12-year-old boy was tragically killed by a stray bullet while riding his bicycle in the Bronx, leading to the arrest of a man charged with murder, according to authorities. Newly released surveillance footage reveals the harrowing moments following the shooting.
William Ferrer, 45, was taken into custody Sunday morning and faces multiple charges, including murder, two counts of attempted murder, manslaughter, six counts of assault, and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, the New York Police Department confirmed.
The incident occurred Saturday afternoon outside Wanda Deli Grocery on Elliot Place near the Grand Concourse in the Mount Eden neighborhood. Police say Ferrer opened fire during a chaotic confrontation, striking 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, who was an innocent bystander.
Freytes had been riding his bike near the bodega when the gunfire broke out shortly before 5 p.m. He was hit in the shoulder and transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln, where he was pronounced dead.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described Freytes’ death as “an act of senseless gun violence.” She expressed sympathy for the boy’s family, emphasizing that while no arrest can ease their pain, the department remains committed to pursuing justice.
Surveillance video shared by United Bodegas of America shows Freytes leaving the bodega after purchasing a ball and getting on his bike. The footage then captures the moment gunfire erupts, with Freytes seen running back inside clutching his chest before collapsing as shocked bystanders look on.
Two other men were also wounded in the shooting. A 34-year-old was shot in the foot, and a 25-year-old was hit in the buttocks; both are reported to be in stable condition.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani mourned the loss on social media, stating, “Our children should be able to ride their bikes on a nice summer day in their neighborhood without fear of being shot. We cannot accept this violence as normal.” He also offered prayers for the recovery of the injured victims and commended hospital staff and law enforcement for their efforts.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams’ office released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, highlighting the innocence of the child and calling for urgent measures to improve public safety.
Ferrer reportedly has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1999, including arrests for drug possession, drunken driving, possession of stolen property, menacing, and criminal contempt.
Community members gathered outside the bodega to mourn Freytes’ death. Fernando Mateo, spokesman for the United Bodegas of America, called the incident a devastating reminder of the ongoing impact of gun violence in New York City. He noted that despite the store being equipped with an emergency panic button, the violence unfolded too rapidly to prevent the tragedy.
“This is just heartbreaking,” Mateo said. “We are tired of these press conferences about gun violence, whether it happens in a bodega or anywhere else on our streets.”