Hochul urged to pardon convicted ‘cooler cop’ Erik Duran by dozens of outraged NY pols: ‘Blatant miscarriage of justice’

New York State Lawmakers Urge Governor Hochul to Pardon Ex-NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran

More than 40 state lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to pardon former NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran, who was convicted of manslaughter in a case that they describe as a “blatant miscarriage of justice.” The lawmakers, led by GOP Assemblyman Matt Slater, have written a letter to Governor Hochul asking her to grant clemency to Duran, who was sentenced to at least three years in prison for throwing a cooler at a fleeing drug suspect during an undercover operation.

The incident occurred in August 2023 when Duran, a 13-year veteran of the NYPD, threw a full Igloo cooler at 30-year-old Eric Duprey, who was attempting to escape arrest on a motorbike. Duprey crashed and suffered fatal injuries as a result of the incident. Duran argued that he acted in the line of duty to protect his fellow officers and bystanders from immediate harm. However, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Guy Mitchell found Duran’s use of lethal force unjustified and convicted him of second-degree manslaughter.

The lawmakers who signed the letter to Governor Hochul believe that Duran’s actions were taken to save lives and that he should be granted clemency. They argue that the entire legal proceeding against Duran was a miscarriage of justice and that his actions were in the best interest of public safety. Duran, a married father of two, was sentenced to a 3-to-9 year prison term, with the judge stating that he wanted the punishment to serve as a deterrent to other law enforcement officers.

Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra criticized the sentence, calling it absurd and arguing that it sends the wrong message to law enforcement officers. He stated that Governor Hochul has the authority to correct this injustice and restore balance to the system. Duran, who was fired from the NYPD following his conviction, is currently out on bail while he appeals the guilty verdict.

Governor Hochul’s office has stated that Duran needs to apply for a pardon if he wants his case to be considered. Duran’s legal team is focused on submitting an appeal to overturn the conviction, but they are also exploring other options, including seeking a pardon. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican running for governor, has promised to pardon Duran if elected.

In a statement released by the Sergeants Benevolent Association, Duran expressed his determination to fight his appeal and thanked the union and the National Police Defense Foundation for their support in raising funds for his legal fees. The lawmakers who signed the letter to Governor Hochul come from across the state and believe that Duran’s case highlights the need for fair treatment of law enforcement officers who make split-second decisions to protect the public.