Man Charged in Death of 12-Year-Old Boy Who Was Struck by Stray Bullet

A man was charged on Sunday in the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy who was struck by a stray bullet in the Bronx, Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said.

The man, William Ferrer, 45, of the Bronx, was arrested outside his home on Sunday and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jacob Freytes, who was fatally shot on Saturday on Elliot Place while out on his bike near the corner of Walton Avenue in the Mount Eden neighborhood, about two blocks from his home, according to the police and Ms. Tisch.

Jacob was the son of a retired Bronx detective sergeant, Jesus Freytes, according to three law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak about the case.

“Jacob was an innocent bystander on his bike when he was taken from his family yesterday in an act of senseless gun violence,” Ms. Tisch said in a social media post on Sunday.

“No arrest can ever ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, but the N.Y.P.D. will continue to do everything in our power to seek justice for Jacob,” she added.

On Saturday, around 4:45 p.m., about six people began to argue at an apartment building on Elliot Place, the law enforcement officials said. Soon after, Mr. Ferrer pulled out a gun and fired at the group, the officials added.

Officers arrived at the building just before 5 p.m., where they found Jacob, who was shot in the left shoulder, the police said.

Emergency medical workers took him to Lincoln Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Mr. Ferrer is also accused of shooting two others during the brawl: a 34-year-old man who was struck in the left foot, and a 25-year-old man who was struck in the buttocks, the police said. He also faces additional charges including manslaughter, attempted murder, assault and weapons possession. The two men were expected to survive.