Ex-NYPD sergeant who killed man with picnic cooler freed on bail as he appeals conviction

A state appeals court judge granted bail to a former NYPD sergeant convicted of manslaughter after he threw a cooler at a fleeing suspect, causing the individual to crash his motorized scooter and die after slamming his head on the ground.

Judge Saliann Scarpulla set bail for Erik Duran at $300,000, which will allow for his release pending the appeal of the manslaughter conviction in February. He was sentenced to three to nine years behind bars on April 9.

“We are very pleased but not surprised that the Appellate Division found that there are legitimate appellate issues in Sgt Duran’s case,” said Duran defense attorney Arthur Aidala. “It was obvious to the Court that he is not a flight risk nor a danger to the community and was entitled to be at home with his family during dependency of the appeal.”

The state attorney general’s office declined to comment when contacted by NBC New York.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.