Ex-NYPD Officer Receives 3-9 Year Sentence in Cooler Death Case

A former New York City police sergeant was sentenced to a prison term ranging from three to nine years for his role in the death of a man after tossing a cooler at him. Erik Duran was convicted of manslaughter in the case involving Eric Duprey, who died after crashing his motorized scooter in August 2023.

Incident Overview

The fatal incident took place during a narcotics operation when Duprey was accused of selling drugs to an undercover officer. Upon realizing he was being pursued, Duprey attempted to escape on his scooter. Duran, who was not in uniform, threw a picnic cooler at Duprey as he drove towards a group of people.

Details of the Crash

The cooler struck Duprey, causing him to lose control of his scooter, which ultimately crashed into a tree before he fell onto the pavement. Prosecutors stated that Duprey, who was 30 years old and not wearing a helmet, suffered fatal head injuries and died almost immediately.

Court Proceedings

During the sentencing, Judge Guy Mitchell expressed skepticism over Duran’s claims that his actions were justified. He noted that Duran appeared to have acted out of frustration, believing Duprey was getting away. Duran had reportedly told the court he made a split-second decision to protect other officers from what he perceived to be a dangerous situation.

Emotional Statements from Family

Duprey’s mother, Gretchen Soto, provided a moving statement in court, expressing her deep anguish over her son’s death. She stated, “There are no words to express what I feel,” highlighting her devastation and loss. She disputed the police’s characterization of her son as a drug dealer.

Reactions from the Community

• The police union, Sergeants Benevolent Association, is advocating for Duran, stating that many officers are signing petitions for his release.
• Protesters gathered outside the courthouse, calling for justice for Duprey.
• Prosecutors highlighted that Duran acted recklessly while on duty, suggesting he attempted to cover up his actions.

Aftermath

Erik Duran served as an NYPD officer for 13 years before being suspended following the incident. He was formally dismissed from the force after his conviction earlier this year. The case has sparked discussions about police accountability and the consequences of law enforcement actions.