Disturbing surveillance video shows the moment gunfire erupted outside a Bronx deli on Saturday afternoon, killing a 12-year-old bystander and injuring two others.
The video, released by United Bodegas of America (UBA), depicts a crowded street just before 5 p.m. outside the Wanda Deli at 104 Elliot Place. As seniors and children walked by, several individuals began fistfighting in the roadway. In the next moment, a man on the sidewalk wearing a black baseball cap, white T-shirt, and black shorts brandishes a handgun and opens fire into the melee before making a run for it.
The gunfire not only sent the crowd on the street fleeing for their lives, but it also sent those in the store running and ducking for cover, knocking over food items in the process.
Cops from the 44th Precinct rushed to the scene after getting a 911 call and discovered a 12-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. A 34-year-old man was also found with a bullet wound to the left foot, and a 25-year-old man was struck in the buttocks. EMS responded and rushed the youngest victim to Lincoln Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He has been identified as Jacob Freytes and does not appear to have been the intended target.
Meanwhile, the two injured men made their own way to BronxCare Health System and were listed as stable.
The community is outraged
Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his condolences for the broad daylight slaying on social media.
“My heart breaks for his family, friends and all those who loved him. Their loss is unimaginable. I am praying for the speedy recovery of the other two victims of this shooting,” part of the mayor’s statement read. “I’m grateful for the hospital staff, and the NYPD for their work to find those responsible for this heinous act. Our children should be able to ride their bikes on a nice summer day in their neighborhood without fear of being shot. We cannot accept this violence as normal.”
Freytes ran inside the deli for cover and could be seen clutching his shoulder as he ran through the store. He ultimately collapsed by the front counter. He had reportedly come to the store to purchase a ball. The UBA and the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD) are offering a total of $15,000 in rewards for information leading to the gunman’s arrest and conviction.
“Watching this video breaks your heart. Families were shopping, mothers were pushing baby strollers, and an innocent child reportedly stopped to buy a ball and never made it home. Every parent in New York should be devastated. We owe this family more than prayers. We owe them action,” President of UBA, Radhames Rodriguez said. “That’s why UBA is joining NYSFTD in offering reward money to help identify and bring these violent criminals to justice. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson took to X on Saturday night to rail against the shooting and plead with the public for information leading to the gunman’s arrest after visiting the scene.
“I am beyond SICK of this violence. Someone’s actions this evening took away a 12-year old boy riding his bike from his family! I take this so personal when one of our kids is an innocent victim of gun violence,” Gibson wrote. “We will catch this idiot who doesn’t belong on our street. You can run, but you can’t hide. Anyone with information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Please keep this family and community in your hearts and prayers.”