Ex-NYPD Sergeant released after appealing conviction in fatal cooler throw

BRONX (WABC) -- The former NYPD Sergeant who was convicted of killing a drug suspect in the Bronx by throwing a cooler at him was released.

38-year-old Erik Duran posted $300,000 bail Monday morning after a judge granted his release in a hearing in Bronx Criminal Court.

His lawyers were expected to bring him home Monday afternoon.

Duran was sentenced last week to 3 to 9 years for manslaughter in the 2023 death of Eric Duprey.

Duran released a statement after he was released saying, "First and foremost, I want to thank my family, particularly my wife, my children and my parents for all their unconditional love and support throughout this ordeal. I also want to thank God for giving me the strength and guiding me through the darkness. I thank my entire legal team for never giving up in their pursuit of justice.

And finally, I want to thank my union, the SBA, my brothers and sisters in the NYPD, and my brothers and sisters in blue around the world. Your unwavering support and solidarity will never be forgotten. Thank you everyone for your prayers. I now look forward to seeing my family and fighting my appeal with the same determination I demonstrated throughout my career in the NYPD."

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