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Ex-NYPD Sergeant Jailed for Fatal Cooler Throw
10 Apr
Summary
- Former sergeant sentenced to 3-9 years for 2023 death.
- He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter.
- A cooler thrown struck victim, causing fatal head trauma.
A former NYPD sergeant, Erik Duran, received a sentence of three to nine years in prison on April 9, 2026. Duran was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey in 2023.
During an undercover drug sting operation, Duprey attempted to flee on a motorized scooter. Surveillance video showed Duran throwing a picnic cooler at Duprey, hitting him in the head. This impact caused blunt force trauma, leading to Duprey's death after he swerved and slid under a vehicle.
Duran, aged 38, is the first NYPD officer in ten years to be found guilty of killing a civilian while on duty. His defense argued the act was unintended and tragic, seeking probation. Prosecutors characterized Duran's actions as reckless and unnecessary, leading to the conviction.
Prior to sentencing, Duran had been out on bail since his conviction on February 6, 2026. Colleagues had petitioned for a probationary sentence for the former sergeant.
