NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran Sentenced to 3-9 Years for Fatal Cooler Incident
A former NYPD sergeant was ordered to prison after a courtroom found his actions caused a fatal crash. The judge handed a 3- to 9-year term in the Bronx case.
The incident
On August 23, 2023, body and surveillance video captured a narcotics sergeant throwing a cooler at a man fleeing on a scooter. The man, identified as Eric Duprey, had been selling drugs and tried to escape the scene.
The cooler contained ice. Duprey lost control, sustained multiple fractures and a brain bleed, and died at the scene.
Court proceedings and sentence
The sergeant, identified as Erik Duran, was convicted for his role in the altercation. Acting Bronx Supreme Court Justice Guy Mitchell imposed a 3- to 9-year prison term.
The judge said he believed Duran expressed remorse. Mitchell also found Duran was not in immediate danger and could have allowed the suspect to flee and be recaptured later.
Defense lawyers asked for a one-week stay to file an appeal. The judge denied that request and ordered Duran taken immediately to Rikers Island.
Personal testimony and background
During sentencing, Duran and his lawyers sought leniency. They highlighted his decades of police work and personal history of exposure to violence.
He addressed the victim’s family and asked for forgiveness. The victim’s mother, Gretchen Sotoaw, remained unpersuaded.
Public and institutional reactions
Law enforcement leaders sharply criticized the outcome. Vincent Vallelong, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, warned the decision could chill split-second policing decisions nationwide.
Activists and family members of the victim celebrated after the sentence. They left the courtroom chanting “say his name!” and described the moment as an act of accountability.
Black Lives Matter Greater New York co-founder Chivona Newsome called the result a sign that no one is above the law. Gretchen Sotoaw thanked supporters in Spanish and rejected Duran’s apology.
The case is widely referred to in news accounts as NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran Sentenced to 3-9 Years for Fatal Cooler Incident. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments, including any appeal filings.
