NYPD Officer Charged with Homicide in Scooter Death

Sgt. Erik Duran faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted in the death of Eric Duprey, who died after being struck by a cooler during a police chase.

Sgt. Erik Duran, a 13-year veteran of the NYPD, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, and assault in the death of Eric Duprey, 30, who died after Duran allegedly used a cooler to knock him off a scooter while he was fleeing an arrest.
Duprey was accused of selling narcotics to an undercover officer in New York City's University Heights neighborhood. Duran's lawyer stated that Duprey was riding his scooter at about 40 mph while fleeing.
Video footage shows Duran, dressed in plainclothes, grabbing a cooler and using it to strike Duprey, who then hit a tree and struck his head on the curb. The impact killed Duprey, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The city medical examiner ruled the death a homicide due to blunt force trauma, triggering an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Duran was suspended without pay during the investigation.
If convicted of the charges, Duran could face up to 25 years in prison. More than 100 NYPD officers attended Duran's hearing to show their support.