News briefs for Dec. 13, 2002

Friday, Dec. 13, 2002 | 9:42 a.m.

Police seeks help finding suspect

Metro Police asked the public for help in capturing a robbery suspect.

On Monday a man robbed a slot attendant at a local grocery store near Rancho Road and Charleston Boulevard. Officers received information Thursday afternoon that the suspect was near Bonanza Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard, near the UPS building.

Police did not find the suspect after an intensive search.

Anyone with information about Abdul Howard, also known as Lesley L. Long, is asked to contact the Robbery Section at 229-3591 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

The suspect is described as a black male adult, about 5-foot, 10 inches tall and weighing between 160 pounds to 170 pounds. The suspect may be armed, police said.

Resident burned in house fire

An elderly man was burned Thursday night in a fire in his home near Rainbow Boulevard and Alta Drive, Las Vegas fire officials said.

When firefighters arrived at the home at 6328 Burgundy Way, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the windows of the living room. The elderly residents were outside.

The male resident was taken to University Medical Center to be treated for first degree burns to his neck and back. He is expected to be released soon, officials said.

Firefighters had the blaze under control within 10 minutes. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental, and a halogen light may be involved. The damage to the house is estimated at $70,000.

Del Papa names new top aide

Senior Deputy Attorney General Ann Wilkinson has been promoted as the top legal assistant to Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, who is retiring next month.

Wilkinson will succeed Tom Patton, who resigned as first assistant attorney general Dec. 9. She has been with the attorney general's office since September 2001 and before that served as counsel to the state Public Utilities Commission and in private practice.

Attorney General-elect Brian Sandoval, who takes office in January, has yet to name his top assistant.