NYPD Sergeant Charged with Manslaughter in Cooler-Throwing Incident

Sgt. Erik Duran faces charges for the death of Eric Duprey, who died after Duran threw a cooler at him during a drug bust operation.

Sgt. Erik Duran, an NYPD officer, has been charged with manslaughter, assault, and criminally negligent homicide for the death of Eric Duprey, who died after Duran threw a cooler at him during a drug bust operation in August 2023.
Duprey, who was fleeing on a motorized scooter after selling crack cocaine to Duran, was hit by the cooler, lost control, and crashed into a tree before landing under a parked vehicle.
Duran, who was suspended and later placed on modified duty following the incident, was released on a $150,000 bond and is due back in court on April 18.
The Sergeants’ Benevolent Association union criticized the charges against Duran, arguing that he made a split-second decision out of concern for public safety.
Duprey had at least two previous arrests, including an open felony assault case in the Bronx from June 2022.