Ex-NYPD Sergeant Sentenced to Prison for Manslaughter in Bronx Scooter Death

A former New York City police sergeant was sentenced on Thursday to three to nine years in prison for fatally striking a fleeing suspect with a picnic cooler in the Bronx in August 2023. Erik Duran, who was convicted of manslaughter in February, tossed a bystander's cooler at 30-year-old Eric Duprey as Duprey drove a motorized scooter on a sidewalk during a police operation.

The sentencing took place in a Bronx courthouse, where Duran addressed Duprey's family, expressing remorse for his actions. "I did everything I could to attend to the man's injuries," Duran said, explaining that he was trying to protect other officers as the scooter approached. Judge Guy Mitchell, however, rejected the defense, stating that Duran acted out of frustration because Duprey was escaping.

State prosecutors, led by the office of Attorney General Letitia James, argued that Duran recklessly caused Duprey's death while on duty, and later attempted to cover up his actions. Surveillance footage presented in court showed Duran, who was not in uniform and part of a narcotics operation, hurling the cooler at Duprey as he attempted to flee after an alleged drug sale.

The impact caused Duprey to lose control and crash into a tree. He suffered fatal head injuries and died almost immediately. According to prosecutors, Duprey was not wearing a helmet. His mother, Gretchen Soto, disputed the police account of events and described the incident as unjust, saying during sentencing, "My son is not just a name, not just one more case."

Duran was dismissed from the NYPD following his conviction. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said he would seek bail pending an appeal. The case has drawn strong reactions from law enforcement supporters and police accountability advocates alike, with officers present at the courthouse and protesters demonstrating outside.

As of now, Duran has been taken into custody to begin serving his sentence, while his legal team prepares an appeal. The conviction comes amid ongoing debate regarding police conduct and accountability in New York City.