NYPD Sergeant Sentenced to 3-9 Years for Killing Fleeing Suspect

Sergeant Erik Duran faces prison time for throwing a water cooler at a motorcycle-riding drug suspect, sparking outrage from police advocates.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered water cooler lens reflecting a faint light, conceptually illustrating the lethal consequences of a split-second decision by a police officer.A dramatic close-up of the water cooler that became a deadly weapon, exposing the tensions between law enforcement and the criminal justice system.NYC Today

An NYPD sergeant has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for killing a fleeing drug suspect by throwing a water cooler at him during a 2023 incident in the Bronx. Sergeant Erik Duran was charged with second-degree manslaughter and faced criticism from police groups who argued he was making a split-second decision to protect the public.

Why it matters

The case has sparked a debate over the appropriate use of force by police officers and whether Duran's actions were justified in the heat of the moment. It also raises questions about sentencing guidelines for law enforcement and whether judges are being too harsh on officers making difficult choices in the line of duty.

The details

In August 2023, Duran, a 13-year NYPD veteran, was part of a drug sting operation in the Bronx when he encountered a fleeing motorcycle-riding suspect named Eric Duprey. Duran grabbed a water cooler from a nearby sidewalk table and threw it at Duprey, knocking him off his bike. Duprey died from his injuries. Duran was suspended without pay and later charged with second-degree manslaughter.

  • The incident occurred in August 2023 during a Bronx drug sting operation.
  • Duran was charged with second-degree manslaughter in January 2024.
  • On April 10, 2026, Duran was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison.

The players

Erik Duran

A 36-year-old NYPD sergeant who joined the force in 2010 and was part of the Bronx narcotics unit.

Eric Duprey

A motorcycle-riding drug suspect who died after being struck by a water cooler thrown by Duran during a 2023 incident in the Bronx.

Guy Mitchell

The Bronx judge who sentenced Duran to 3 to 9 years in prison, arguing it would serve as a "general deterrent" to other officers.

Vincent Vallelong

The president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who released a blistering statement criticizing the sentence as one of the "darkest days" for law enforcement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today will be forever remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of our profession. It wasn't only Sgt. Duran, a great cop, who was on trial. Every law enforcement officer who makes a split-second decision in the performance of their duties to protect the public was also on trial.”

— Vincent Vallelong, Sergeants Benevolent Association President

“Your honor, I am asking for a chance to be there with my kids. I am asking for a chance, just one.”

— Erik Duran, NYPD Sergeant

What’s next

The case is expected to be appealed by Duran's legal team, who argue the sentence is too harsh for an officer making a split-second decision in the line of duty.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the criminal justice system, with police advocates arguing officers are being unfairly targeted for difficult choices made in the heat of the moment to protect public safety.