12-year-old son of retired sergeant killed by stray gunfire, NYPD says; suspect charged

A 12-year-old boy, who police say was an innocent bystander, was killed by stray gunfire on Sunday.

The child was identified as the son of a retired New York police detective sergeant, according to the Sergeants Benevolent Association.

Family, friends and neighbors mourn Jacob Freytes, known to loved ones as "Kai."

Police have arrested and charged a suspect in the deadly shooting.

The Sergeants Benevolent Association confirmed Jacob Freytes was the son of retired Detective Sgt. Jesus Freytes.

In a statement, the union said it was "saddened" by the loss and called on prosecutors to pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law.

Police say 45-year-old William Ferrer was arrested Sunday and charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the shooting.

Authorities say Ferrer was arguing with five other people near Elliot Place and Walton Avenue in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx when he shot into the group.

The motive is gang related, with the Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni operating in the area.

He has an arrest record dating back to 1999 and survived a shooting in 2006.

Investigators say Jacob Freytes was not involved in the dispute and had gone to a nearby bodega to buy a ball when gunfire erupted.

He was struck in the shoulder and ran inside the store seeking safety before collapsing. He was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where he was pronounced dead.

The 25-year-old man was shot in the buttocks and a 34-year-old man was shot in the left foot. Both are expected to survive and are listed in stable condition.

Ferrer was taken into custody Sunday outside his Bronx home and is expected to be arraigned Monday.