Ex-NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran was released from prison on bail while appealing his manslaughter conviction for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect who later died. A state appellate court judge ruled that Duran could be freed after securing $300,000 cash or bond and surrendering his passport to his lawyers.
Key Takeaways
Ex-NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran was released from prison on bail while appealing his manslaughter conviction for throwing a picnic cooler at a fleeing suspect who later died. The incident occurred during a narcotics operation in the Bronx, where Duprey sold drugs to an undercover officer and attempted to flee.
- Ex-NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran released on $300,000 bail pending appeal
- Convicted of manslaughter for throwing cooler at fleeing suspect Eric Duprey
- Incident occurred during Bronx narcotics operation in 2023
- Duran claims he acted to protect fellow officers
- Decision has sparked controversy among activists and supporters
Duran had been sentenced to three to nine years in prison by a lower-court judge for the 2023 death of Eric Duprey. The incident occurred during a narcotics policing operation in the Bronx, where Duran was part of a unit conducting a 'buy-and-bust' operation. According to prosecutors, Duprey sold drugs to an undercover officer and attempted to flee on a motorized scooter.
Duran testified that he threw the cooler full of ice and drinks at Duprey to protect other officers. The container struck Duprey, causing him to lose control of his scooter and crash into a tree. Duprey sustained fatal head injuries and died almost instantly. Duran's defense argued that the incident was a result of a 'series of bad choices' made by Duprey.
The decision to grant bail has sparked controversy, with activists protesting against it while pro-police forces support Duran. The New York Islanders also faced criticism for promoting Duran's legal defense fund during their final game of the season. Duprey's family expressed deep disappointment and pain over the Islanders' actions.
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