NYPD arrests suspect in fatal shooting of 12-year-old Bronx boy
Police say William Ferrer, 45, of the Bronx, was taken into custody Sunday morning outside his home in connection with the shooting in the Mount Eden neighborhood.
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The NYPD announced the arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, who was killed while riding his bicycle near a Bronx bodega.
Police say William Ferrer, 45, of the Bronx, was taken into custody Sunday morning outside his home in connection with the shooting in the Mount Eden neighborhood. Investigators allege Ferrer fatally shot Jacob and wounded two other people during the incident.
According to authorities, Jacob was an innocent bystander when gunfire erupted. The 12-year-old's death has sparked outrage and grief across the community.
Ferrer faces multiple charges, including:
Murder in the second degree
Manslaughter in the first degree
Attempted murder in the second degree
Assault in the first degree
Assault in the second degree
Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree
In announcing the arrest, the NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said no arrest can undo the family's loss but pledged to continue pursuing justice for Jacob.
United Bodegas of America President Radhames Rodriguez thanked NYPD detectives for what he described as the swift apprehension of the suspect.
"We are extremely proud of and grateful to the NYPD for responding so efficiently and effectively in apprehending this criminal," Rodriguez said in a statement.
Rodriguez also called on the courts to keep the suspect in custody and prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law.
"The grief and outrage that our entire community is feeling must be reflected in the severity of the penalty imposed on the suspect," he said.
The organization said it remains committed to working with city leaders and elected officials to improve public safety and protect small business owners.
Stay with News 12 as this is a developing story.
