NYPD Sergeant Convicted After Throwing Cooler at Fleeing Suspect

Sergeant found guilty of manslaughter in 2023 incident that resulted in suspect's death

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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An NYPD sergeant has been convicted of manslaughter after fatally throwing a plastic cooler at a scooter-riding suspect who was fleeing a drug bust in the Bronx in 2023. Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, was found guilty on Friday and faces up to 15 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by the New York Attorney General's office and is the first time in a decade that an NYPD officer has been convicted of a crime for killing someone while on duty in New York City.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around police use of force, particularly in incidents involving fleeing suspects. It also raises questions about accountability for law enforcement actions that result in civilian deaths. The conviction of an NYPD officer is a rare occurrence, signaling a potential shift in how such cases are handled.

The details

Surveillance video showed Sgt. Duran throwing a plastic cooler at the head of Eric Duprey, 27, as he was fleeing on a scooter from a drug bust. Duprey lost control of the scooter and crashed, resulting in his death. Duran claimed he threw the cooler to protect fellow officers, but the judge rejected that argument, ruling the use of deadly force was not justified.

  • The incident occurred in August 2023.
  • Duran was convicted on February 7, 2026.
  • Duran is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Erik Duran

A 38-year-old NYPD sergeant who was convicted of manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a fleeing suspect, resulting in the suspect's death.

Eric Duprey

A 27-year-old man who was fleeing from a drug bust on a scooter when he was struck in the head by a cooler thrown by Sgt. Duran, causing him to crash and die.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General whose office prosecuted the case against Sgt. Duran.

Guy Mitchell

The Bronx Supreme Court judge who announced the verdict in the case.

Vincent Vallelong

The president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who issued a statement calling the verdict a "miscarriage of justice" and stating it sends a "terrible message" to officers who use force in defense.

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What they’re saying

“We vigorously maintain Sergeant Duran's innocence. The verdict rendered by Judge Mitchell is clearly against the weight of the credible evidence.”

— Vincent Vallelong, Sergeants Benevolent Association President

“I never lost faith. I always was, you know...that justice is going to happen.”

— Pearl Velez, Eric Duprey's partner (New York Post)

“After consideration of all evidence, the people proved beyond all reasonable doubt that this defendant was not justified.”

— Guy Mitchell, Bronx Supreme Court Judge (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Sgt. Duran's sentencing on March 19, 2026.

The takeaway

This conviction of an NYPD officer for a death that occurred while on duty is a rare occurrence and signals a potential shift in how such cases are handled, with a greater emphasis on accountability for law enforcement actions that result in civilian fatalities.