NYPD Sergeant Convicted of Manslaughter After Throwing Cooler at Fleeing Suspect
A New York City Police Department sergeant has been found guilty of manslaughter after throwing a plastic cooler at a scooter-riding suspect fleeing from undercover police in the Bronx. Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, was convicted on Friday of the August 2023 death of Eric Duprey, who was speeding away from plainclothes narcotics officers.
Duprey had allegedly sold $20 worth of cocaine to undercover agents as part of a "buy-and-bust" operation. As he fled, Duran picked up a red object – the cooler – and threw it at Duprey's head from close range, causing him to lose control and crash into a tree. The motorcycle then veered into the street and collided with a parked car before coming to rest.
Duprey was pronounced dead minutes after the crash. Duran claimed he had thrown the cooler to protect his fellow officers during the chase.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Guy Mitchell, who rejected Duran's claim of justification. The judge stated that Duran was not justified in using deadly force and found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Duran has been recognized for his excellent police service dozens of times but also has a disciplinary record, including a complaint filed in 2022 alleging he abused his authority during a stop.
Sergeant Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong has called the verdict a "miscarage of justice," stating that it sends a "terrible message" to officers who use force in defense. Duran's partner, Pearl Velez, described her feelings as "never losing faith" and expressed support for her partner.
The case marks the first time an NYPD officer has been found guilty of manslaughter on duty in New York City in over a decade. Duran faces up to 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19.
A New York City Police Department sergeant has been found guilty of manslaughter after throwing a plastic cooler at a scooter-riding suspect fleeing from undercover police in the Bronx. Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, was convicted on Friday of the August 2023 death of Eric Duprey, who was speeding away from plainclothes narcotics officers.
Duprey had allegedly sold $20 worth of cocaine to undercover agents as part of a "buy-and-bust" operation. As he fled, Duran picked up a red object – the cooler – and threw it at Duprey's head from close range, causing him to lose control and crash into a tree. The motorcycle then veered into the street and collided with a parked car before coming to rest.
Duprey was pronounced dead minutes after the crash. Duran claimed he had thrown the cooler to protect his fellow officers during the chase.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Guy Mitchell, who rejected Duran's claim of justification. The judge stated that Duran was not justified in using deadly force and found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Duran has been recognized for his excellent police service dozens of times but also has a disciplinary record, including a complaint filed in 2022 alleging he abused his authority during a stop.
Sergeant Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong has called the verdict a "miscarage of justice," stating that it sends a "terrible message" to officers who use force in defense. Duran's partner, Pearl Velez, described her feelings as "never losing faith" and expressed support for her partner.
The case marks the first time an NYPD officer has been found guilty of manslaughter on duty in New York City in over a decade. Duran faces up to 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19.
. Throwing a cooler at someone's head isn't exactly what I'd call "cool" though... I mean, who needs that kind of heroics when you're just trying to keep your fellow officers safe? 
The fact that he got away with it for so long is just wild... like, dozens of recognitions and a disciplinary record that's been collecting dust? It's like he was hiding under a rock while this dude was basically getting away with murder. 
And now he's gonna be facing 15 years in the slammer? Better late than never, I guess 
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. The fact that he threw a cooler at the guy and it killed him...it's just crazy. I don't think we should be punishing someone for trying to protect their fellow officers like that. But at the same time, I'm glad that justice was served and the guy wasn't able to get off scot-free 
. It's a tough one, you know?
My heart goes out to Eric Duprey's family and loved ones, this senseless tragedy could've been avoided 
, a plastic cooler shouldn't be the deciding factor in someone's life 
. I just can't imagine the fear they must've felt that day, running from the police thinking it was all over... only to have his life cut short by a throwaway object 
. It's so frustrating when our officers are expected to put their lives on the line every single day, and sometimes they do make mistakes 
. But this case feels like it highlights the need for better training and accountability within the NYPD, maybe they could've found another way to resolve the situation without resorting to violence 
. 15 years is a long time, but I hope justice is served and that Sgt. Duran takes full responsibility for his actions 
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Like, what if the guy wasn't even armed or anything? The fact that he threw that thing just because he thought it was necessary is just so sad. And all these times he got recognized for being awesome? Meanwhile, he's been breaking rules and putting people in harm's way... 
Not sure what to think about this whole situation...
. A police sergeant convicted of manslaughter for throwing a cooler at some guy? What's next, throwing a chair or something? 
And to think he has all these awards and recognition for being a great cop... seems like just another case of a system gone wrong. The fact that the sergeant said it was to protect his fellow officers is pretty weak too 
15 years in prison seems like a pretty light sentence considering this guy took someone's life. But hey, I guess when you've got a disciplinary record and have made mistakes before (like the 2022 complaint), people start to think twice about holding you accountable.