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In a recent development, a former New York City police officer, who was handed a three to nine-year prison sentence for his role in the tragic death of a suspect, will be released on bail as he seeks to appeal his conviction. The officer, Erik Duran, had been charged with manslaughter after throwing a cooler at Eric Duprey, a suspect attempting to escape, leading to a fatal accident.
On Friday, a state appeals court granted Duran a $300,000 bail, allowing him temporary freedom during the appeal process, according to reports from the New York Post.
Vincent Vallelong, the president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, expressed his satisfaction with the decision. “I am very pleased to announce that the SBA’s team of attorneys has secured bail for Erik Duran, and he will be released from prison and remain free throughout his appeal,” Vallelong stated, highlighting the significance of the ruling for Duran, his family, and law enforcement officers nationwide.
The incident that led to Duran’s conviction occurred when he threw a picnic cooler filled with drinks at Duprey, who was attempting to flee on a motorized scooter. The impact caused Duprey to crash, resulting in his death. The sentencing took place earlier this month at the Bronx County Hall of Justice.
Former New York City police sergeant Erik Duran is seated during his sentencing hearing at the Bronx County Hall of Justice on April 9, 2026, in New York. He was sentenced for throwing a picnic cooler full of drinks at a fleeing suspect, Eric Duprey, who then crashed his motorized scooter and died. (Michael R. Sisak/AP)
Duran’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, told Fox Digital that it was no surprise that their client was released.
“We are very pleased but not surprised that the Appellate Division found that there are legitimate appellate issues in Sgt Duran’s case,” Aidala said. “It was obvious to the Court that he is not a flight risk nor a danger to the community and was entitled to be at home with his family during pendency of the appeal.”
Duran, 38, a married father of three, was convicted of manslaughter in February for the August 2023 death of Eric Duprey. Duprey was attempting to flee arrest on a moped during an undercover drug sting in the Bronx when Duran chucked an Igloo cooler at him, causing him to crash onto the pavement.
Eric Duprey died in August 2023 when a an NYPD officer threw a cooler at him as he was fleeing a drug operation in the Bronx. (WNYW)
He died instantly.
Duran maintained he was trying to protect other officers from Duprey, who was operating the motorized bike on a sidewalk.
During sentencing, Bronx Judge Guy Mitchell said the punishment would serve as a “general deterrent” to other officers from acting recklessly.
He rejected Duran’s defense that his actions were justified, concluding that the former officer threw the cooler because he was upset that Duprey was fleeing.
NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran appears in court during his arraignment at the Bronx Hall of Justice on Jan. 23, 2024. Duran was indicted in connection with the Aug. 2023 death of Eric Duprey during an undercover drug operation. (Luiz C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News via Getty Images)
“They had enough to investigate and catch him on a different day,” Mitchell said of the police. “The distinction is that the deceased will no longer be seen again by his family.”
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