Local news briefs for May 1, 2000

Monday, May 1, 2000 | 10:57 a.m.

Pedestrian killed in accident

Police are looking for the driver and passenger of a pickup involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 44-year-old Las Vegas man on Tropicana Avenue.

The man, whose name was not released this morning pending the notification of his family, tried to cross Tropicana at Paradise Road about 11:20 p.m. inside a marked crosswalk, but without a walk signal, Metro police said.

A 1996 Chevrolet S-10 pickup was headed east on Tropicana and entered the intersection on a green light. The driver of the truck tried to avoid the man, but hit him, police said.

The man and woman in the truck fled on foot. The victim died from his injuries at the scene.

Anyone with information on the occupants of the pickup is asked to call detectives at 229-3535, or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Regent files for re-election

University Regent Mark Alden today filed for re-election to his District 2, Subdistrict D seat.

Alden, who was elected to his first six-year term in 1994, represents the southern portion of Clark County, including Henderson, Boulder City and Laughlin.

During his term Alden, who chairs the Audit Committee, has sought equity in funding for UNLV and the Community College of Southern Nevada from the Nevada Legislature.

"I believe my financial background has helped make the board more fiscally accountable to all Nevada resdients," said Alden, a certified public accountant. "I still have a lot of energy and enthusiasm for this job and am looking forward to the opportunity of continuing to serve my constituents."

Alden, a University of Nevada Reno graduate, runs his own accounting firm and is a member of the state's Board of Accountancy.

Escapee denies killing cohort

RENO -- A convicted murderer captured Friday after a monthlong manhunt admits he committed a string of crimes to survive, but denies he killed a fellow Nevada prison escapee.

James Prestridge, 39, was caught without incident outside a Reno store as he walked back to a truck he had stolen.

He and convicted robber John Doran escaped March 25 in Southern California while being transported by van from Nevada prisons to facilities in other states.

Doran, 29, was found dead south of Tijuana a few days after they overpowered two guards employed by a transport company that moves inmates between states.

Workers' debts cost taxpayers

RENO -- State employees who failed to pay Diners Club charges of about $57,000 have cost taxpayers roughly $8,000 in the past two years, Nevada officials say.

Their failure to pay could cost the state about $29,000 a year in the future, depending on the number of employee-held cards, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported Monday.

The $8,000 would have come to the state as rebates or incentives for allowing the credit-card company to do business with state employees, according to state Treasurer Brian Krolicki.

Employees charge travel expenses to the card. After a trip, they submit an expense form and supporting documents for reimbursement. When the state reimburses employees, they are supposed to pay Diners Club.