Former NYPD Officer Faces Sentencing for Cooler Throwing Death

Sergeant convicted of manslaughter for tossing cooler at fleeing suspect who crashed scooter and died

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered motorized scooter part, such as a broken mirror or cracked handlebar grip, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a violent incident involving law enforcement.A former NYPD officer's split-second decision to throw a cooler at a fleeing suspect resulted in a tragic death, exposing the complexities of policing and accountability.NYC Today

A former New York City police sergeant, Erik Duran, is set to be sentenced on Thursday for throwing a picnic cooler full of drinks at a fleeing suspect, Eric Duprey, in 2023. Duprey crashed his motorized scooter and died from the incident. Duran was convicted of manslaughter and faces up to 15 years in prison, with his police union advocating for leniency while accountability activists push for the maximum sentence.

Why it matters

The case has sparked debate around police use of force, with Duran's union arguing it sends a 'terrible message' to officers defending themselves, while the victim's family hopes the sentencing will bring justice and healing. It highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community accountability.

The details

Duran was part of a narcotics policing group conducting a 'buy-and-bust' operation in the Bronx in 2023 when Duprey, who was selling drugs to an undercover officer, fled on a motorized scooter. Surveillance video showed Duran, who was not in uniform, picking up a bystander's cooler and throwing it at the approaching scooter, causing Duprey to lose control, crash into a tree, and sustain fatal head injuries.

  • On August 23, 2023, the incident occurred during a narcotics operation in the Bronx.
  • In February 2026, Duran was convicted of manslaughter.
  • On April 9, 2026, Duran is set to be sentenced for the incident.

The players

Erik Duran

A former New York City police sergeant who was convicted of manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a fleeing suspect, Eric Duprey, in 2023, resulting in Duprey's death.

Eric Duprey

A 30-year-old man who was selling drugs to an undercover officer and then fled on a motorized scooter, leading to the incident where he was struck by a cooler thrown by Duran and died from the resulting crash.

Sergeants Benevolent Association

The police union representing Duran, which has advocated for leniency in his sentencing and says the conviction sends a 'terrible message' to officers.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General whose office prosecuted Duran for manslaughter.

Jon Roberts

The lawyer representing Duprey's family, who hopes the sentencing will bring justice and healing.

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What they’re saying

“He was gonna crash into us. All I had time for was to try again to stop or to try to get him to change directions.”

— Erik Duran, Former NYPD Sergeant

“The conviction sent a terrible message to hard-working cops about the costs of defending themselves and fellow officers.”

— Vincent Vallelong, Sergeants Benevolent Association President

“We are hopeful that the court will do justice for Eric and the loss that the entire family has endured and hope that this marks the beginning of the healing process.”

— Jon Roberts, Lawyer for Duprey's Family

What’s next

The judge will decide on Thursday whether to sentence Duran to up to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter conviction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community accountability, with the actions of a police officer resulting in a civilian death and sparking debate over the appropriate use of force and the consequences for officers involved in such incidents.