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
