NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran Sentenced to 3-9 Years for Fatal Cooler Throw Former NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran, who was convicted of throwing a cooler at a fleeing suspect in the Bronx, was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison on Thursday. The decision came after a trial that exposed the tragic circumstances of the incident, which occurred on August 23, 2023, when Duran, a narcotics sergeant, allegedly hurled a cooler filled with ice at Eric Duprey, a man fleeing after being caught selling drugs. Duprey lost control of his scooter, sustaining severe injuries that led to his death at the scene. During the sentencing hearing, Duran, dressed in a suit, appeared visibly emotional as his defense team argued for leniency. They portrayed him as a dedicated officer who had spent his career improving the Bronx community. His defense emphasized his traumatic upbringing, including being shot at as a child and witnessing colleagues injured in the line of duty. Duran recounted his experiences, stating, “I’ve been exposed to levels of violence that a very limited amount of cops experience. I’ve seen my lieutenant shot, I’ve seen my cops shot. I’ve been bitten, broken skin. I needed surgeries on ligaments.” He also expressed remorse, pleading with the judge for a chance to be present for his children. Duran turned to the mother of Duprey, Gretchen Sotoaw, and asked for forgiveness, saying, “I never wanted this to happen. I pray for you and your family.” His emotional appeal underscored the personal toll of the incident, but the court remained unmoved. Acting Bronx Supreme Court Justice Guy Mitchell acknowledged Duran’s sincerity but emphasized that he was not in immediate danger and could have allowed Duprey to flee, where he might have been recaptured later.#nypd #erik_duran #gretchen_sotoaw #bronz #black_lives_matter_greater_new_york
Former NYPD officer sentenced 3 to 9 years in prison in cooler death case A former New York City police sergeant was sentenced to three to nine years in prison on Thursday for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect, whose subsequent crash resulted in his death. Erik Duran, a former NYPD sergeant, was convicted of manslaughter in the 2023 death of Eric Duprey, a 30-year-old man who died after losing control of his motorized scooter following the incident. The sentencing took place at the Bronx County Hall of Justice, where Duran, now a convicted criminal, addressed the court and Duprey’s family, expressing remorse for the tragedy. Duran’s actions occurred during a narcotics policing operation in the Bronx on August 23, 2023. According to prosecutors, Duprey sold drugs to an undercover officer and attempted to flee on a scooter. Duran, who was part of the narcotics unit, allegedly hurled a cooler filled with ice, water, and sodas at Duprey, who was riding the scooter at high speed. The impact caused Duprey to lose control, crash into a tree, and sustain fatal head injuries. The incident occurred without Duprey wearing a helmet, and he died almost instantly. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Guy Mitchell rejected Duran’s defense that his actions were justified. The judge stated that the court believed Duran was upset that Duprey was escaping and reacted impulsively by throwing the cooler. Prosecutors argued that Duran had ample time to warn others to move out of the path of the scooter but instead chose to act recklessly. Joseph Bianco, a prosecutor from the state Attorney General’s office, emphasized that Duran’s actions were not only dangerous but also attempted to cover up his misconduct.#nypd #erik_duran #eric_duprey #bronx_county_hall_of_justice #sergeants_benevolent_association
