Ex-NYPD Sergeant Freed on Bail Amid Appeal of Manslaughter Conviction

Sergeant Erik Duran can remain out of jail while he appeals his conviction for a deadly cooler throw incident.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered picnic cooler lid, the dramatic lighting and stark composition conceptually representing the investigative nature of this crime story.The controversial 'cooler throw' incident that led to a former NYPD sergeant's manslaughter conviction has reignited debates over police accountability and use of force.NYC Today

A former New York City police sergeant, Erik Duran, has been granted bail and released 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 in 2023. The decision by a state appellate court judge came a week after Duran was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for Duprey's death.

Why it matters

Duran's release on bail during his appeal has sparked strong reactions, with his union praising it as a 'major win' for law enforcement, while the victim's family expressed deep disappointment, saying it 'reopens painful wounds.' The case has become a flashpoint, galvanizing both activists critical of police and pro-law enforcement supporters.

The details

In August 2023, Duran was part of a narcotics policing unit conducting a 'buy-and-bust' operation in the Bronx. When the suspect, Duprey, tried to flee on a scooter, Duran testified that he threw the cooler to protect other officers. The container struck Duprey, causing him to lose control, crash into a tree, and sustain fatal head injuries. Duran was convicted of manslaughter in February 2026 and sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison, becoming the first former NYPD officer in at least two decades to be sent to prison for an on-duty death.

  • On August 23, 2023, the incident occurred in the Bronx.
  • In February 2026, Duran was convicted of manslaughter.
  • On April 18, 2026, the appellate court judge granted Duran bail and released him from jail 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, Eric Duprey, resulting in Duprey's death.

Eric Duprey

A 30-year-old man who died after crashing his motorized scooter when a picnic cooler thrown by Duran struck him.

Vincent Vallelong

The president of Duran's union, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who praised the appellate court's decision to grant Duran bail as a 'major win.'

Jon Roberts

A lawyer for Duprey's family, who expressed deep disappointment in the appellate court's decision to grant Duran bail, saying it 'reopens painful wounds' for the family.

Saliann Scarpulla

The state appellate court judge who ordered Duran freed on $300,000 cash or bond and allowed him to remain out of jail while he appeals his conviction.

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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

“While we respect the appellate process, this outcome reopens painful wounds for a family that has already endured an immense loss. Our focus remains on seeking accountability and ensuring that the seriousness of what occurred is never diminished.”

— Jon Roberts, Lawyer for Duprey's family

What’s next

The appellate court will now hear Duran's appeal of his manslaughter conviction.

The takeaway

This case has become a polarizing issue, with Duran's supporters arguing he was protecting other officers, while the victim's family seeks accountability. The appellate court's decision to grant Duran bail during his appeal has further inflamed tensions and underscored the complex and emotional nature of on-duty incidents involving law enforcement.