On 9/4, Erik Duran, 38, a former New York City police sergeant, was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for throwing a cooler filled with drinks at suspect Eric Duprey, 30.

In court, Duran stated he acted to protect colleagues from the oncoming motorcycle.

Judge Guy Mitchell rejected this defense. "The court believes the defendant was angry that Eric Duprey was escaping and reacted by throwing the cooler", Mitchell stated.

Erik Duran in tears during sentencing. Photo: Nypost

The incident caused a stir within the police force, with thousands of officers signing an online petition advocating for Duran to receive probation. In contrast, Black Lives Matter activists demanded accountability, calling for the most severe penalty.

Before the sentencing on 9/4, officers wearing New York City Police Department (NYPD) jackets filled the courthouse hallway in the Bronx, while dozens of protesters outside demanded justice for Duprey.

Prosecutors recommended a sentence of 3 to 9 years, arguing Duran acted recklessly, causing Duprey's death while on duty, and then attempted to cover up his actions.

Duran was part of a drug enforcement unit conducting a "buy and bust" operation in the Bronx on 23/8/2023. Police stated Duprey sold 20 USD of cocaine to an undercover officer, then attempted to flee on a motorcycle.

Surveillance video showed Duprey riding on the sidewalk towards a group of people. As he approached, Duran, who was not in uniform at the time, picked up a bystander's cooler and threw it at Duprey.

The cooler Erik Duran threw at suspect Eric Duprey. Photo: Nypost

The cooler, full of ice, water, and drinks, struck Duprey's arm, causing him to lose control, crash into a tree, and fall, hitting his head on the sidewalk. Duprey was not wearing a helmet.

According to prosecutors, the victim sustained severe head trauma and died almost immediately. They argued Duran had sufficient time to warn others to move away but instead threw the cooler out of anger.

However, Duran testified in court that he made a split-second decision to protect other officers from the vehicle speeding towards them.

"He was about to hit us. I only had time to try and stop him or make him change direction", Duran said.

The judge acknowledged Duran's "remorse", but argued that a 3 to 9-year sentence would serve as a general deterrent for other police officers. The judge added that the video was not conclusive.

"I spent time watching that video. I did not see any justification", Judge Mitchell said, adding that police had footage of Duprey's face and thus "enough to investigate and arrest on another day".

Eric Duprey (inset) crashed into a tree, hit his head on the sidewalk, and died. Photo: Nypost

Vincent Vallelong, president of a New York police union, stated the sentence sent "a chilling message to dedicated police officers" about the cost of self-defense and protecting colleagues.

Duran had served as an NYPD officer for 13 years before being suspended after the incident and was fired from the police force following his conviction last February.

Duprey was a delivery driver with a criminal record. Duprey's mother stated she video-called Duprey just before the incident, refuting police claims that he sold drugs and fled.

By Tue Anh (according to AP, Nypost)