NEW YORK (AP) – Erik Duran, a former New York City police sergeant, is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday after being convicted of manslaughter in connection to the death of Eric Duprey. The incident occurred when Duran threw a picnic cooler full of drinks at Duprey, who was fleeing on a motorized scooter, causing him to crash and sustain fatal injuries.

In August 2023, Duran was part of a narcotics policing unit involved in a "buy-and-bust" operation in the Bronx. After Duprey allegedly sold drugs to an undercover officer, he attempted to escape on his scooter. Surveillance footage captured the moment Duran, who was off-duty and not in uniform, picked up a bystander's cooler and hurled it at Duprey as he sped down the sidewalk. The cooler struck Duprey, resulting in him losing control of the scooter, crashing into a tree, and ultimately falling onto the pavement.

Duprey, a 30-year-old delivery driver, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and suffered fatal head injuries, dying almost instantly. Prosecutors from New York Attorney General Letitia James' office contended that Duran had ample time to alert others but chose to throw the cooler out of anger. They described Duran's actions as reckless and detrimental to public safety.

Duran defended his actions in court, stating he made a split-second decision to protect fellow officers from the oncoming scooter. He testified, "He was gonna crash into us," suggesting that his intention was to prevent harm to himself and others. After witnessing the crash, Duran claimed he attempted to assist Duprey, demonstrating a level of concern for the injured man.

In a judge-only trial, Judge Guy Mitchell found Duran guilty, ruling that his status as a police officer did not influence the case. However, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, which represents Duran, expressed outrage over the conviction, claiming it sends a damaging message to police officers regarding the consequences of defending themselves in volatile situations. The union has mobilized thousands of officers to sign an online petition advocating for Duran to be spared imprisonment.

Following his conviction in February 2026, Duran was dismissed from the NYPD after a 13-year tenure. Meanwhile, Duprey’s family mourns their loss, with Duprey being described as a devoted father to three young children. His mother publicly disputed the police narrative, asserting that her son was not involved in drug sales.

Jon Roberts, an attorney representing Duprey's family, expressed hope for justice in the wake of their loss, emphasizing the pain endured by the family and the need for healing. The juxtaposition of support for Duran from law enforcement groups and calls for accountability from activist groups highlights the complexities and tensions surrounding this controversial case.