Video shows men wanted for questioning in shootout prior to NYPD officer's death

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Saturday, October 24, 2015
3 wanted for questioning in shootout that killed officer
Marcus Solis has the latest on the investigation into the shooting death of NYPD Officer Randolph Holder.

EAST HARLEM (WABC) -- The NYPD has released video of three men they'd like to question regarding a shootout that happened prior to an NYPD officer being shot and killed in East Harlem Tuesday.

The video shows three men walking on a sidewalk near the East River Housing Development Tuesday at about 8:30 p.m.

There is a "don't snitch" mentality in the neighborhood, but officers say that cannot get in the way of this investigation.

Detectives are searching for information as a memorial continues to grow for Officer Randolph Holder.

NYPD officers continue to bring flowers and light candles, while others have also paid tribute with heavy hearts.

"People shouldn't die before their parents, it's not the natural order of things. I just stopped by to pay my respects, pay my respects to the family with my prayers," said Michelle Davis, who visited the memorial to Officer Holder.

On Saturday, the Rev. Al Sharpton will lead a prayer vigil at the site of the memorial.

Now more surveillance video has surfaced showing the three men walking with what appears to be flashing lights in the background.

Two NYPD housing officers were on the roof of a building on East 102nd Street when they heard and saw people firing shots at each other. The people involved in the shooting then left the area.

Police said one of the people believed to be involved in the shootout was Tyrone Howard, who is accused of robbing someone of their bike nearby and heading north along the river before encountering Officer Randolph Holder and shooting him in the head, killing him.

Police are also still searching the East River for the 40-caliber handgun believed to have been used by Howard. That's where they found a 30-clip gun magazine with 13 live rounds.

Detectives would like to question the men in the video.

Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD's Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.