Feb 7 • 21:27 UTC 🇺🇸 USA Fox News

NYPD sergeant convicted after throwing cooler at fleeing drug suspect in New York City: report

An NYPD sergeant was convicted of manslaughter for fatally hitting a fleeing drug suspect with a cooler during a police operation.

Sgt. Erik Duran, a 38-year-old officer with the NYPD, was found guilty of manslaughter for the death of Eric Duprey, who was attempting to evade arrest during a drug bust in the Bronx. Duprey was on a scooter when Duran threw a plastic cooler, leading to a fatal incident. The trial revealed that Duprey had been accused of selling cocaine to undercover officers shortly before the incident.

This conviction marks a significant event in New York City's law enforcement history, as Duran is the first NYPD officer to be found guilty of a crime related to an on-duty killing in a decade. His actions during the incident were scrutinized closely, as the use of force by police in similar situations has sparked discussions about accountability and police practices across the country.

Duran is facing a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 19. The case was handled by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office, highlighting the state's role in scrutinizing police conduct, particularly in cases involving fatalities during arrests and other police-related incidents.

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