Motorcyclist dies in crash after police officer throws picnic cooler at his head

25 August 2023 , 08:15

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Police say Eric Duprey, 30, was involved in a drug deal - which his mother denies (Image: ABC)

A man on his motorbike was killed after a New York City police officer lobbed a picnic cooler at his head from close range causing a violent crash, authorities confirmed.

The sergeant who threw the cooler was suspended without pay hours after the death of Eric Duprey, 30, in the Bronx. Duprey was allegedly driving his motorbike towards a group of people on the pavement, before NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran picked up the cooler and threw it.

Duprey lost control of the bike and was thrown into a tree, while the motorbike cut into the street and smashed into a metal barrier, before resting against a parked car. He was pronounced dead minutes after the crash at around 5.30pm.

According to police, Duprey was fleeing on his friend’s motorbike after being caught selling drugs to an undercover cop. Duran - who was not in uniform - was part of the “buy and bust” operation by Bronx Narcotics Unit and was waiting on the sidewalk. Police did not specify what Duprey was selling.

Duprey’s mother, Gretchen Soto, told The Associated Press the police’s claims were “lies” and that Duprey “wasn’t fleeing”. She claims he was not selling drugs, but was in fact video calling her from Puerto Rico on Wednesday when he crashed.

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Soto said: “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 explained that Duprey lived in the Bronx and worked as a delivery driver. He also leaves behind three children aged 3, 5, and 9. Soto said: “They left three fatherless babies. I’m going to get justice.”

The office of the New York Attorney General, Letitia James, is investigating the case, and the NYPD said it is cooperating. The Attorney General’s office has the power to probe any death which involves a police officer.

The motorbike, middle right, crashed into the nearby metal barriers (ABC)

The NYPD said it is “committed to ensuring that there will be a full, thorough, and transparent investigation” in order to “determine the facts and to take the appropriate steps forward.”

Duran has worked with NYPD for 13 years and has multiple times been recognised for excellent police service, according to a police personnel database. He joined the Bronx Narcotics Unit last September. Last year, a complaint was filed against him for abusing his authority during a stop, according to New York’s Civilian Complaint Review Board.

Alex Croft