Tyrone Howard back in court on charges unrelated to death of NYPD officer Randolph Holder

BRONX, N.Y. (WABC) -- Tyrone Howard appeared in court in the Bronx Thursday morning on a 2013 charge unrelated to the fatal shooting of an NYPD officer.

In May 2013, he was arrested for possession of 33 small bags crack cocaine at Rikers Island. Prosecutors offered him a deal for three to six years in prison if he pleaded guilty, but he was then arrested in the October 2014 sweep at the East River Houses

Bail on the offense was set at $50,000 and the next related court date is January 6.

Howard, 30, already was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder and robbery in the Oct. 20 shooting death of officer Randolph Holder.

Holder was shot in the head in East Harlem while on duty. Howard was arrested a short time later.

Bail in a prior drug case also will be discussed Thursday.

The hearing will be held at Bronx Hall of Justice. Howard's next court date in the Holder matter has been set for Nov. 24 for his arraignment.