Sgt. Erik Duran, a New York City Police Department narcotics officer, has been convicted of second-degree manslaughter following an incident in August 2023 that led to the death of a drug suspect.
During an undercover operation in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx on August 23, 2023, officers conducted a narcotics bust after Eric Duprey allegedly sold cocaine. When Duprey fled by motorcycle, he was pursued by police. Duran, who had reportedly been seated at a table with others, grabbed a red Igloo cooler and threw it at Duprey’s vehicle.
The cooler struck Duprey in the head, causing him to lose control and crash into bystanders. Duprey died at the scene.
Duran had been under investigation for abuse of authority during the previous year and was suspended the day after the incident. He was later charged by New York Attorney General Letitia James with manslaughter, assault, and criminally negligent homicide.
At trial earlier this year, Duran pleaded not guilty and testified that he believed Duprey would crash into his crew. The Bronx Supreme Court Justice Guy Mitchell convicted him of second-degree manslaughter in February 2024, sentencing him to three to nine years in state prison.
The judge noted Duran’s remorse but ruled the sentence was necessary as a deterrent for other officers. Duran was fired from the NYPD shortly after the verdict.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican gubernatorial candidate running against Governor Hochul, has vowed that if elected in November 2024, he will immediately pardon Duran.
