Former NYPD Officer Sentenced for Cooler Throw That Caused Fatal Crash

Erik Duran receives 3-9 years in prison for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect, leading to the suspect's death.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the glass reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the tragic consequences of a police encounter gone wrong.The aftermath of a fatal crash involving a fleeing suspect and an aggressive police response highlights the dangers of split-second decisions and the need for reform.NYC Today

Former New York City police sergeant Erik Duran was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for throwing a picnic cooler full of drinks at a fleeing suspect, Eric Duprey, who then crashed his motorized scooter and died. Duran said he was trying to protect other officers from the approaching scooter, but the judge ruled his actions were unjustified and that Duprey would have driven by if the cooler wasn't thrown.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve, as well as the challenges officers face in making split-second decisions that can have tragic consequences. It also raises questions about police accountability and the use of force, especially in non-violent situations.

The details

In August 2023, Duran, who was part of a narcotics policing unit, was involved in a 'buy-and-bust' operation in the Bronx. Surveillance video showed Duprey, who was suspected of selling drugs, trying to flee on a motorized scooter. As Duprey approached a group of officers, Duran picked up a bystander's cooler and threw it, striking Duprey and causing him to lose control of the scooter. Duprey crashed into a tree and died from his injuries. Duran was convicted of manslaughter and immediately taken into custody after sentencing.

  • On August 23, 2023, the incident occurred in the Bronx.
  • On February 6, 2026, Duran was convicted of manslaughter.
  • On April 9, 2026, Duran was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison.

The players

Erik Duran

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

Eric Duprey

A 30-year-old man who was suspected of selling drugs and fled from police on a motorized scooter, leading to his death after Duran threw a cooler at him.

Gretchen Soto

The mother of Eric Duprey, who wept during Duran's sentencing and said there are 'no words to express what I feel'.

Pearl Velez

The partner of Eric Duprey, who said she did not accept Duran's apology.

Vincent Vallelong

The president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the police union, who said Duran's prison sentence 'puts in the back of a police officer's mind that they can lose their freedom' for making a split-second decision.

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What they’re saying

“I took this job to save lives. I felt terrible once I saw Eric Duprey crash. I never wanted this to happen.”

— Erik Duran, Former NYPD Sergeant

“There are no words to express what I feel.”

— Gretchen Soto, Mother of Eric Duprey

“How you gonna say sorry now?”

— Pearl Velez, Partner of Eric Duprey

“Today will forever be the darkest day of our profession. This puts in the back of a police officer's mind that they can lose their freedom for making a split-second decision.”

— Vincent Vallelong, President, Sergeants Benevolent Association

“Nobody's above the law.”

— Unidentified Woman

What’s next

Duran's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said he will ask a court to free Duran on bail while he appeals the sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often split-second decisions police officers must make, and the potential consequences they face even when acting in what they believe is the best interest of public safety. It also underscores the ongoing need for improved training, accountability, and community-police relations to prevent such tragic outcomes.