The sergeant’s union called the cop’s actions a ‘split-second decision that was predicated solely on his concern for the safety of others’
A New York City cop accused of tossing a cooler at a fleeing suspect and killing him has been charged with manslaughter .
During his arraignment Tuesday, NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran was also charged with assault in the first and second degrees, and criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of Eric Duprey, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Duran, 36, pleaded not guilty to the charges. A judge set his bail at $150,000.
On Aug. 23, 2023, Duprey, 30, was caught selling drugs to an undercover officer during a “buy-and-bust” operation in a Bronx neighborhood, according to prosecutors.
As cops attempted to arrest him, he fled on a motorized scooter.
Duran was working as part of the drug bust when he allegedly “forcefully threw” a civilian’s cooler, striking Duprey in the head and “causing him to lose control of the scooter.