Yes i just move from Brooklyn and i let my son at 9 work two blocks two school. He was also allowed to ride his bike around the block without crossing streets. If i had not moved recently i would have now allowed him to go several blocks on his bike to friends house. The area was very safe but anything can happen anywhere.
As for the suspect he lived on E2 street. That is heavily jewish. E2 St above Ditmas ave starts to turn Banglashish.