NEW YORK (AP) — Former NYPD sergeant Erik Duran has been sentenced to three to nine years in prison for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect, Eric Duprey, who crashed his motorized scooter and died as a result.
Duran was convicted of manslaughter related to the incident which occurred during a narcotics operation in August 2023. He claimed his actions were a split-second decision aimed at protecting fellow officers from the oncoming scooter. However, the court indicated that his reaction stemmed from anger, and not a desire to protect.
In court, Duran expressed remorse, stating, I took this job to save lives and added that he felt terrible for Duprey's family. The victim's mother, Gretchen Soto, provided a heart-wrenching statement recalling the loss of her son, who she described as more than just a name on a case report.
Judge Guy Mitchell emphasized that he did not find Duran's defense convincing, stating that the former sergeant had time to warn others instead of throwing the cooler. The sentence reflects society's expectation of accountability, especially from those entrusted with the responsibility of law enforcement.
Duprey was 30 years old and a father of three at the time of the incident. The case has sparked discussions on police accountability, union support for Duran, and the implications for officers acting under pressure.
Duran's lawyer indicated plans to appeal the conviction and seek bail pending the outcome. The incident has divided opinions, with protests outside the courthouse demanding justice for Duprey.
