Motorcyclist dies in crash after New York cop throws cooler at his head

A person fleeing New York City law enforcement officials on a motorbike died Wednesday after a sergeant hurled a plastic picnic cooler at his head from shut vary, inflicting a violent crash, authorities stated.

The sergeant, Erik Duran, was suspended with out pay simply hours after the dying of Eric Duprey, 30, within the University Heights part of the Bronx, police stated.

Surveillance video considered by The Associated Press confirmed Duprey driving the gas-powered motorbike on a sidewalk towards a bunch of individuals, together with the sergeant, who was not in uniform.

As he approached, the video exhibits Duran choose up a pink object — the picnic cooler — and throw it. Duprey is struck exhausting. He loses management, then is tossed towards a tree because the motorbike veers into the road. The bike smashes right into a metallic barricade earlier than coming to relaxation in opposition to a parked automotive.

Duprey was pronounced lifeless on the scene minutes after the crash, which occurred round 5:30 p.m.

Police stated Duprey tried to flee on a pal’s motorbike after he was caught promoting medication to an undercover police officer. The sergeant was standing on the sidewalk as a part of the “buy-and-bust” operation carried out by the Bronx Narcotics Unit. Police declined to specify what medication Duprey was accused of promoting.

Reached by telephone, Duprey’s mom, Gretchen Soto, instructed The Associated Press the police narrative was “all lies,” insisting her son was not promoting medication or attempting to evade officers. She stated she was on a video name with him from Puerto Rico on Wednesday when all of the sudden the display went darkish.

“He wasn’t fleeing. He wasn’t fleeing. He was just on the motorcycle talking to me on the video chat. And he passed by that place when all of a sudden the call cut out,” she stated in Spanish.

She stated Duprey lived within the Bronx, labored as a supply driver and had three kids, ages 3, 5 and 9.

“They left three fatherless babies,” Soto stated. “I’m going to get justice.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ workplace, which has jurisdiction to probe deaths involving police, is investigating. The NYPD stated it’s cooperating.

“The NYPD is committed to ensuring that there will be a full, thorough, and transparent investigation of this incident to determine the facts and to take the appropriate steps forward,” the division stated in an announcement.

A message looking for remark was left with Duran’s union. The Daily News first reported the incident.

Duran, a 13-year veteran of the division, joined the Bronx Narcotics Unit final September. He has been acknowledged by the division dozens of instances for what it deems glorious and meritorious police service, based on a police personnel database.

Duran’s disciplinary document features a substantiated criticism final 12 months for abusing his authority throughout a cease, based on town’s Civilian Complaint Review Board.

Published On:

Aug 25, 2023