Local briefs

Monday, Feb. 10, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

* FIRE PROBE -- Investigators were still searching for the cause of a fire that destroyed three houses under construction in northwest Las Vegas. Authorities said what had been mostly framework of the three homes will have to be torn down and rebuilt on lots 36, 37, and 38 on Misty Falls Street, near El Capitan Way and West Gowan Road. Damage has been estimated at $20,000 per home. Las Vegas Fire Department was notified by passers-by at 4:39 a.m. Sunday that the middle home was on fire, spokesman Tim Szymanski said. Firefighters arrived minutes later to find the flames had spread to the homes on either side, and were able to stop the fire in less than 20 minutes.

* MAN CRITICAL -- A 24-year-old man was in critical condition today after he was shot in the head while driving on Blue Diamond Road at the Interstate 15 overpass. Nevada Highway Patrol troopers arrived at what they believed was a one-car accident at 9:50 p.m. Sunday involving a Chrysler LeBaron convertible that left the roadway and hit a large sign. But troopers discovered that the man had been shot in the head. The driver's-side window had been struck by a bullet. The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken by paramedics to University Medical Center where he was in extremely critical condition today, a hospital spokeswoman said. A bullet was lodged in the man's brain, homicide Lt. Wayne Petersen said. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to call homicide detectives at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

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