Erik Duran: NYPD sergeant charged with manslaughter for hurling water cooler at fleeing drug suspect

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BRONX, NEW YORK: On Tuesday, an NYPD sergeant, Erik Duran, faced charges of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the August death of a drug suspect riding a motorcycle. 

The incident occurred when the officer allegedly threw a cooler at the suspect, leading to a crash.

Sgt. Duran, 36, entered a not guilty plea to the second-degree manslaughter charge, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. 

Additionally, he faces charges of assault in the first and second degrees and criminally negligent homicide for the death of Eric Duprey, 30, on August 23, 2023.

Further details regarding the circumstances of Duprey's death have emerged as the investigation progresses.

What happened at crime scene?

According to the New York Post, the accused, Duron, was engaged in a buy-and-bust operation on Aqueduct Avenue near West 190th Street around 5 pm in Kingsbridge Heights when Duprey fled on a motorized scooter. 

As per the office of James, the Attorney General, when Duprey attempted to escape, Duran seized a cooler from a nearby table and hurled it at the fleeing suspect, striking him in the head and causing him to lose balance.

The Attorney General asserted that Duprey, after being hit by the cooler, sideswiped a tree, leading to him being thrown from the scooter and hitting his head on the curb. He ultimately landed under a parked vehicle. 

Surveillance video obtained by The Post depicted the moment the white cooler struck Duprey, who was seen on his scooter, veering from the sidewalk into the street before tumbling from his ride as multiple bystanders surrounded him.

Duprey succumbed to "blunt force injuries of the head" at the scene, as authorities stated at the time.

What happened in the courtroom?

Erik Duran has been released on a $150,000 bond, as per the Attorney General. Following the incident, Duran was suspended from the NYPD and later placed on modified duty. 

Notably, his bond was posted by prominent Big Apple bail bondsman Ira Judleson after his arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court, where over 100 police officers showed support. 

John D'Allessandro, one of Duran's lawyers, emphasized, "This indictment sends a clear message to society and every law enforcement officer in the state."

Duprey's actions allegedly put "countless citizens and police officers in grave danger" when he fled on the motorcycle as police attempted to arrest him, claimed the attorney. 

Duprey’s family, including his widow, Orlyanis Velez, was present in court but did not speak to reporters. Walter 'Hawk' Newsome, co-founder of the New York chapter of Black Lives Matter, addressed reporters after court, stating that Duran 'was no hero' and emphasized, “You do not hit people with coolers.” He expressed relief at seeing that justice was not deferred.

Responding to the charges against Duran during his weekly press briefing, Mayor Eric Adams mentioned that the AG would make the final determination on how to proceed. 

He stated, “That’s not a policy that we use of throwing a cooler.” 

The Sergeants’ Benevolent Association union criticized Attorney General James for bringing charges against Duran.

Union President Vincent Vallelong said, "The message that was sent today is pretty clearThe top law enforcement officer in New York State would rather prosecute members of law enforcement than career criminals.For a system that is a revolving door for those tearing apart the fabric of society to aggressively seek $150,000 bail for an NYPD sergeant with an exemplary reputation is both appalling and reprehensible." 

He added, "Make no mistake, the SBA will aggressively defend Sgt. Duran throughout this egregious judicial ordeal."

Who is Eric Duprey?

Eric Duprey had a history of at least two prior arrests, including an ongoing felony assault case in the Bronx from June 2022. 

In that incident, he was accused of allegedly hurling a two-liter bottle of soda through a driver’s window, as reported by police sources.

In the aftermath of the incident involving Duran, the sergeant, faced death threats. 

It was reported that the NYPD was taking measures such as installing cameras at Duran's home in Putnam County and stationing officers there in September, according to sources.

Andrew Quinn, another attorney representing Duran, had previously stated that the case is far from straightforward.

Quinn claimed, "What is indisputably clear is that the deceased, who was intent on evading arrest for selling drugs to an undercover officer, was speeding on a motorbike in an incredibly dangerous manner down a crowded sidewalk, jeopardizing the life and safety of everyone there Once a full and complete investigation is conducted, we are fully confident that Sgt. Duran will be exonerated of any misconduct or wrongdoing" 

Duran is scheduled to appear before a judge again on April 18.