A 45-year-old Bronx man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy who was caught in gunfire outside a neighborhood bodega in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx, according to New York police.
The victim, Jacob Freytes, was shot in the shoulder on Saturday evening outside a supermarket on Elliot Place. Police said he was an innocent bystander when violence broke out near the store.
Surveillance footage released by the United Bodegas of America (UBA) shows a confrontation involving several people outside the bodega shortly before 5 p.m. During the altercation, an individual allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired several shots into the crowd before fleeing.
The video shows Jacob leaving the store with his bicycle moments before the dispute began. He briefly stopped to watch the confrontation, then ran back inside the bodega as shots were fired. Footage from inside the store shows the boy clutching his chest before collapsing.
Jacob was taken to Lincoln Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.
Two other men, aged 25 and 34, were also injured in the shooting. Authorities said both victims are in stable condition.
On Sunday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the arrest of William Ferrer, 45, outside his Bronx residence. He has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
In a statement posted on social media, Tisch described Jacob as “an innocent bystander” whose life was cut short by a senseless act of gun violence.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also expressed condolences, calling the tragedy devastating for the boy’s family and community. He said children should be able to ride their bikes safely in their own neighborhoods without fear of gun violence.
UBA spokesperson Fernando Mateo urged city and state leaders to strengthen enforcement against illegal firearms. Speaking at a news conference near the scene, he called for tougher penalties for those caught carrying illegal guns.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
