Undercover NYPD Officer Suspended After Throwing Cooler at Fleeing Suspect, Resulting in Death
A man fleeing a drug bust in the Bronx, New York City, tragically lost his life after an undercover police officer threw a cooler at him. The incident occurred on Wednesday just after 5:20 pm when Eric Duprey, 30, crashed his scooter while attempting to escape. NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran, who was working undercover at the time, has been suspended pending an investigation into his involvement in the fatal incident.
Sergeant Duran, a member of the Bronx Narcotics Division, was conducting a buy-and-bust operation on Aqueduct Avenue when Duprey allegedly sold drugs to the plain-clothed officer. Upon attempting to arrest Duprey, he quickly fled the scene. In an attempt to stop him, Sergeant Duran grabbed a cooler from a bystander on the street, filled with soda cans, and threw it at the suspect.
The impact of the cooler caused Duprey to lose control of his scooter, resulting in a collision with a parked Jeep. He fell to the ground and was pronounced dead at the scene. CCTV footage captured the moment the cooler struck Duprey on the Bronx street.
The NYPD released a statement confirming Sergeant Duran’s suspension and the initiation of a thorough investigation into the incident. The New York State Attorney General’s Office is leading the investigation with the assistance of the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division. The cause of Duprey’s death will be determined by the city’s medical examiner.
Witnesses to the incident described the shock and horror they experienced, with children at a nearby family party left traumatized by what they saw. Duprey’s stepfather, Jose Colon, criticized the police for their actions, questioning why Sergeant Duran did not use authorized equipment or a Taser instead of throwing a cooler. Duprey’s wife, Orlyanis Velez, expressed her frustration at the lack of information provided by the police, stating that they are acting as if nothing happened.
Erika Duprey Soto, the victim’s sister, expressed her disbelief at the officer’s actions, highlighting that Duprey used the same scooter for his delivery job with Uber and Doordash. She mourned the loss of her brother, stating, “He’s gone. I loved my brother to death.”
Public records indicate that Sergeant Duran joined the NYPD in 2010 and has faced 17 accusations of wrongdoing throughout his career. Only one accusation, for an unnecessary stop, was substantiated. Duran has made 197 arrests during his tenure with the NYPD. He has been suspended without pay.
The use of force employed by Sergeant Duran has been criticized by his colleagues, with a police official stating that it is not consistent with department guidelines. Officers are not trained to pick up objects and throw them at suspects.
The investigation into this tragic incident aims to determine the facts surrounding Duprey’s death and take appropriate steps forward. The NYPD is committed to ensuring a full, thorough, and transparent investigation.
What steps will the NYPD take to address any potential failures in officer training or systemic issues within law enforcement that may have contributed to the incident, and how will they work to prevent similar tragedies in the future
Ean Duran’s suspension and expressing condolences to Duprey’s family. The department also emphasized that they will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragic event has sparked a debate about the use of force by police officers and the responsibility they have in ensuring the safety of both themselves and the public. Many are questioning whether the officer’s actions were justified and whether there were alternative methods to apprehend the suspect without resulting in such a tragic outcome.
This case also raises concerns about the level of training and accountability within law enforcement. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to determine whether there were any failures in officer training or if there were systematic issues that contributed to the incident.
The Bronx community and activists are demanding justice for Eric Duprey, and there have been calls for a thorough and transparent investigation. The outcome of this investigation is likely to have significant implications for police-community relations and the future of undercover operations in the city.
In the meantime, the NYPD will be under increased scrutiny and pressure to address and rectify any issues that may have contributed to this tragedy. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of constant evaluation and improvement within law enforcement agencies to prevent future tragedies like this one from occurring.
This is a tragic incident that highlights the need for better training and protocols within law enforcement.
This is a heartbreaking incident that underscores the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for all involved.