Funeral held for man struck and killed with a cooler during Bronx drug bust
Authorities say Eric Duprey attempted to evade law enforcement on a motor scooter during an undercover operation near the 50th Precinct last week.
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Family and friends said goodbye today to the man struck and killed with a cooler during a Bronx drug bust as calls mount to bring charges against the NYPD sergeant involved.
Authorities say Eric Duprey attempted to evade law enforcement on a motor scooter during an undercover operation near the 50th Precinct last week.
Loved ones at the funeral say he went by Cuajo, was a father to two young children, and that he did not deserve to be bashed in the head with a cooler.
Based on information obtained from law enforcement authorities and surveillance footage, it has been established that Duprey was traveling along Aqueduct Avenue when he was struck in the head with a cooler by NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran, causing Duprey to lose control of his scooter and collide with a parked car.
Duprey was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled Duprey's death a homicide, and Duran has been suspended from the police force without pay.
News 12 is told that the New York Attorney General's Office has taken over the investigation.
Activists at the funeral say that Duran’s suspension is not enough. They called on Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Letitia James for immediate criminal charges against Duran.
“It is inexplicable that a cooler was used to kill someone. I am thankful of some of the swift action was taken,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “This family should not wait many many years to have justice.”
The family says they are meeting with the attorney general and awaiting the official report from the medical examiner before filing an official complaint.
