12-Year-Old Son of Retired NYPD Sergeant Killed by Stray Bullet in Bronx; Suspect Held Without Bail
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
BRONX, N.Y. — A 12-year-old boy who was killed by stray gunfire in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx has been identified as Jacob Freytes, the son of retired NYPD Detective Sgt. Jesus Freytes.
According to police, the shooting happened near Elliot Place and Walton Avenue while 45-year-old William Ferrer was allegedly involved in an argument with a group of people. Investigators say Ferrer opened fire into the crowd, striking two men and fatally hitting Jacob, who was not involved in the dispute.
Authorities say Jacob had gone to a nearby bodega to buy a ball when the gunfire erupted. After being struck in the shoulder, he reportedly ran inside the store seeking safety before collapsing. He was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where he was pronounced dead.
Two other victims, a 25-year-old man who was shot in the buttocks and a 34-year-old man who was shot in the left foot, were hospitalized in stable condition and are expected to recover.
Police arrested Ferrer outside his Bronx home on Sunday. He has been charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related, involving the Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni gangs operating in the area. Police say Ferrer has an arrest history dating back to 1999 and survived a shooting in 2006.
Ferrer was arraigned Monday in Bronx Criminal Court, where a judge ordered him held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court for grand jury action on July 31.
The Sergeants Benevolent Association confirmed Jacob was the son of retired Detective Sgt. Jesus Freytes and released a statement expressing its condolences while urging prosecutors to pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law.
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