Former NYPD sergeant Erik Duran, who begins his prison sentence for the tragic incident involving a cooler and a fleeing drug suspect, has a backstory that reflects a journey from a challenging upbringing to a distinguished career, only to end in an unexpected and unsettling turn of events.

Duran’s life took a dramatic turn during a police operation in August 2023 when his reckless actions resulted in the death of Eric Duprey. His attorney described him as a “model” officer who consistently dedicated his 15-year career to protecting those who were most vulnerable.

Facing the court with remorse, Duran, who will serve three to nine years, expressed his deep regret over the events that transpired. “I joined the force to save lives,” he stated, reflecting on the moment he witnessed Duprey’s crash. “I wish that day had never happened.”

Reflecting on his roots, Duran shared insights from his upbringing in a violent Bronx neighborhood. At just eight years old, he experienced a traumatic incident when a gunman opened fire on his family in a restaurant, an event that left a lasting impact on him.

Many of his closest childhood friends fell victim to the lure of gangs and drugs, eventually becoming unrecognizable to him. Duran spoke about channeling the pain of those experiences into a desire to serve, inspired by the bravery he witnessed during the 9/11 attacks.

Despite his good intentions and notable service, the fateful decision that led to Duprey’s death now marks a significant downfall for a man once seen as a beacon of protection and justice.

“I ask the court to not look at me as a regular cop,” said the father of three who married his high school sweetheart in a Bronx courthouse down the block from his court hearing.

During his career, he’s seen his lieutenant shot and was once bitten so hard it broke skin, he said. He also struggled with armed perps several times, but never used lethal force.

Duran’s lawyer, Andrew Quinn, said his client “protected women and children abused in their homes” and took more than 50 guns off the street. 

He called him a “model cop” who has led an “exemplary” life. 

Duran lost his job when he was found guilty of manslaughter in February for throwing the red Igloo cooler at Duprey as he fled from a drug sting on a Bronx sidewalk, causing the suspect to fall off and hit his head.

“No man should be judged entirely for a decision he made in the blink of an eye,” Quinn said.

While Duran and Duprey, 30, were counterparts the day of the fatal crash, the two had similarities, the judge noted.

Both men were Hispanic and Bronx natives. They each have children.

“The distinction is that the deceased will no longer be seen again by his family,” Mitchell said from the bench.

Duprey, a father of two, had at least a pair of past arrests on drug and assault charges, law enforcement sources said.

Duprey’s mother, Gretchen Soto, said through an interpreter in court she misses her child “every day,” stressing he was “well-loved” by his relatives and sister.

 “I miss him a lot,” she said with Duprey’s partner also in attendance. “To this day, his children miss him a lot.”