Former NYPD Officer Released Pending Appeal

A former police officer in New York City, sentenced to serve three to nine years for the fatal incident involving a cooler thrown at a fleeing suspect, has been granted release as he appeals his conviction.

Eric Duran was allowed bail set at $300,000 following a ruling from a state appeals court on Friday. It was reported by sources that the president of the Sergeants’ Benevolent Association, Vincent Vallelong, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, “I am very pleased to announce that the SBA’s legal team has secured bail for Eric Duran. He will be released from prison and remain a free man pending his appeal.” Vallelong characterized the ruling as a significant win for Duran and his family as well as law enforcement nationwide.

Support for Duran

Duran’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, shared his feelings about the appeal. He remarked that the court’s decision didn’t catch them off guard. “We are very pleased, but not surprised, that the Appellate Division has determined that there are legitimate appellate issues in Sergeant Duran’s case,” Aidala stated. He added that it was evident to the court that Duran posed no flight risk or danger to society, which contributed to the decision.

The former officer, now 38 and a father of three, faced manslaughter charges in relation to the death of Eric Duprey in August 2023. Duprey was attempting to evade arrest on a moped during a drug operation when Duran allegedly threw a cooler at him, leading to a crash that resulted in Duprey’s death.

Duran contended that his actions were intended to protect his fellow officers from Duprey, who was reportedly riding dangerously on the sidewalk. During the sentencing, Judge Guy Mitchell emphasized that the punishment served as a broader warning against reckless conduct that could endanger others in law enforcement. He ultimately dismissed Duran’s defense, concluding that his emotions played a role in his decision to throw the cooler.

Mitchell articulated a poignant observation, noting, “They had enough force to investigate and arrest him another day. The difference is that the deceased will never see their family again.”