A 12-year-old boy, Jacob Freytes, was fatally struck by a stray bullet while riding his bicycle near a Bronx bodega on Saturday afternoon, July 26th, 2026. The shooting occurred outside Wanda Deli Grocery on Elliot Place near the Grand Concourse in the Mount Eden neighborhood shortly before 5 p.m., according to police.

William Ferrer, 45, was arrested Sunday morning, July 27th, and charged with 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 to Fox News Digital. Ferrer is accused of opening fire during a chaotic confrontation that also injured two other individuals—a 34-year-old shot in the foot and a 25-year-old struck in the buttocks.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described Freytes' death as "an act of senseless gun violence" and expressed sympathy, stating, "My heart breaks for his family, friends and all those who loved him. Their loss is unimaginable. No arrest can ever ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, but the NYPD will continue to do everything in our power to seek justice for Jacob."

Fernando Mateo, spokesman for the United Bodegas of America, called the boy's death a devastating reminder of the ongoing toll gun violence takes on New York City during a press conference outside the bodega.

Surveillance video released by authorities captures the desperate moments after Freytes was struck inside the bodega. Police say Ferrer has had multiple prior run-ins with law enforcement dating back to 1999.

The community and law enforcement continue their efforts to address the violence and bring those responsible to justice.

Sources