The incident occurred during a plainclothes buy-and-bust operation that was targeting Duprey for selling narcotics. Surveillance video captured the moment when Duprey attempted to flee the scene on his motorbike. As he sped away, an object thrown by Sgt. Duran struck him, causing him to lose control and crash into a vehicle.

Tragically, Duprey suffered a fatal head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York State Attorney General's Office has initiated an investigation into the incident, with its Office of Special Investigation leading the probe. This office is responsible for assessing cases where a police officer may have caused someone's death through an act or omission.

The item that Duran allegedly threw at Duprey was a plastic picnic cooler, as confirmed by the attorney general's office. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) promptly announced Duran's suspension without pay in a statement on social media. The NYPD's Force Investigation Division will also be assisting in the investigation.

The aftermath of Duprey's death has sparked outrage among those who knew him. Orlyanis Velez, the mother of his two children, expressed disbelief and grief, stating that Duprey was a loving father and there was no reason for him to be killed. Erik DeJesus, a neighbor, described Duprey as a humble and caring individual who always looked out for the neighborhood.

Community residents who witnessed the crash are in shock, with some too traumatized to leave their homes. A makeshift memorial has been established at the location where Duprey fell off his bike, as friends and neighbors mourn his loss. Despite any prior criminal history or police allegations, those who knew Duprey maintain that he was a good person.

Duprey's family and supporters are demanding justice and accountability for his death. They view the incident as an abuse of power by the NYPD and are questioning the credibility of the police narrative surrounding the events leading up to Duprey's death.

The attorney general's investigation will aim to determine the circumstances and cause of the fatal encounter between Duran and Duprey. The state Office of Special Investigation's involvement is mandated by New York state law in cases where police actions or inactions result in someone's death.

As the investigation proceeds, both the NYPD and the attorney general's office have pledged to conduct a thorough and transparent examination of the incident. The Sergeants Benevolent Association police union has not yet issued a statement regarding the suspension or the ongoing investigation. The medical examiner's office will ultimately determine the official cause of Eric Duprey's death.