Blakeman Promises Pardon for Ex-NYPD Sergeant Convicted in Fatal Incident

Bruce Blakeman, a Republican running for governor in New York, has publicly promised to pardon a former NYPD sergeant who was found guilty of manslaughter related to the death of a suspect. This declaration came during a press conference held in front of New York City Hall on Monday morning.

Eric Duran, the 38-year-old sergeant, received a prison sentence ranging from three to nine years following the 2023 death of Eric Duprey, who was fleeing on a scooter when he struck a cooler thrown by Duran.

Duprey had sold drugs to an undercover officer and attempted to escape when Duran, dressed in plain clothes, threw a bystander’s cooler at him. This action startled Duprey, causing him to lose control of his scooter, leading to the fatal crash.

At his sentencing, Duran expressed remorse, stating, “I took this job to save lives. When I saw Eric Duprey crash, I felt terrible.”

New York State Attorney General Letitia James’s team had recommended a harsher sentence of five to 15 years, but the judge chose a lesser penalty. This situation has drawn significant attention, as Duran is the first officer in decades to face prison time for a death occurring during the line of duty.

During the trial, the judge dismissed Duran’s defense that his actions were necessary to protect fellow officers. He emphasized the need for a clear deterrent for officers in similar circumstances, remarking, “They could have waited to apprehend him.” Duran’s conviction has raised broader implications about the decision-making process of law enforcement in high-pressure situations.

Following the conviction, Duran was dismissed from the NYPD, but he plans to appeal the verdict. Blakeman, who has previously held significant positions in public service, is currently seeking to unseat Governor Kathy Hochul, with strong backing from President Donald Trump in his campaign.

This incident continues to fuel discussions on police accountability and the complexities of law enforcement’s split-second decision-making in the field.