Ex-NYPD Sergeant Freed From Jail Amid Appeal of Manslaughter Conviction

Sergeant Erik Duran was convicted for throwing a cooler at a fleeing suspect, leading to the suspect's death.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered picnic cooler lid against a pitch-black background, capturing the dramatic texture and material details of the damaged object to conceptually represent the violent incident at the center of this story.The violent incident involving a thrown cooler that led to a suspect's death has sparked intense debate over the use of force by law enforcement.NYC Today

A former New York City police sergeant, Erik Duran, has been freed from jail while he appeals his manslaughter conviction for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect, Eric Duprey, who then crashed his motorized scooter and died. A state appellate court judge ruled that Duran can stay out of jail on $300,000 cash or bond while his appeal is pending.

Why it matters

Duran's case has galvanized both activists, who have labeled him the 'cooler killer,' and pro-police forces, who argue that locking him up sends the message that officers can lose their freedom for split-second decisions made in the line of duty. The ruling to free Duran on bail during his appeal process is seen as a major win for law enforcement officers.

The details

In August 2023, Duran was part of a narcotics policing unit that conducted a 'buy-and-bust' operation in the Bronx. Police said the suspect, Eric Duprey, sold drugs to an undercover officer and then tried to flee on a scooter. Duran testified that he threw the cooler full of ice and drinks at Duprey to protect other officers. The container struck Duprey, causing him to lose control of the scooter, crash into a tree, and sustain fatal head injuries.

  • On August 23, 2023, the incident occurred in the Bronx.
  • On February 2026, Duran was convicted of manslaughter.
  • On April 14, 2026, a lower-court judge sentenced Duran to 3 to 9 years in prison.
  • On April 17, 2026, a state appellate court judge ordered Duran freed on $300,000 cash or bond while he appeals his conviction.

The players

Erik Duran

A 38-year-old former New York City police sergeant who was convicted of manslaughter for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect, leading to the suspect's death.

Eric Duprey

A 30-year-old man who died after crashing his motorized scooter when Duran threw a cooler at him during a 'buy-and-bust' operation in the Bronx.

Vincent Vallelong

The president of Duran's union, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who called the appellate court's decision to free Duran on bail 'a major win for Erik and his family and for law enforcement officers around the country.'

Andrew Quinn

Duran's defense lawyer, who said at Duran's sentencing that he will forever be known as 'the cooler cop.'

Arthur Aidala

Another lawyer for Duran, who asked the Appellate Division to intervene after the sentencing judge refused to grant Duran bail.

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What they’re saying

“This is a major win for Erik and his family and for law enforcement officers around the country.”

— Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association

“This was not a neutral act. It sends a message — intended or not — that risks undermining public confidence in a fair legal process and deepens the pain of a family still grieving.”

— Jon Roberts, Attorney for Duprey's family

What’s next

The judge's decision to free Duran on bail while he appeals his conviction will allow him to continue fighting the case, which has become a high-profile issue for both pro-police and police reform advocates.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public over the use of force, particularly in split-second decisions made by officers in the line of duty. The ruling to free Duran on bail during his appeal process reflects the complex legal and political landscape surrounding such cases.