News briefs for May 7, 2002

Tuesday, May 7, 2002 | 9:20 a.m.

Strikes considered unlikely this week

The president of the local bus drivers' union said Monday that a strike affecting the Citizens Area Transit system is unlikely this week.

Drivers will vote Wednesday and Thursday on a contract offer from ATC, the company that runs the system for the Regional Transportation Commission.

About 900 Amalgamated Transit Union employees have already authorized a strike, but ATU Local 1637 President Frank Opdyke said union officials would likely need some time to think about a work action after the vote closes Thursday.

ATC officials have said they will bring in replacement workers if there is a strike. Drivers have been working on various contract extensions since the end of last year.

November shooting victim dies

A 23-year-old woman shot in a home-invasion robbery in November died late last month at a Las Vegas hospital.

Metro Police homicide detectives are searching for leads in the slaying of Marie Ann O'Briant. The lifelong Las Vegas resident was shot about 10 p.m. Nov. 6 at a home in the 500 block of Rossmore Drive, near Stewart Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, police said.

No other details of the robbery or shooting were available this morning.

O'Briant was taken to University Medical Center, where she remained until she died April 25, hospital officials said.

Police urge anyone with information about this slaying to contact Metro's homicide unit at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Former coach given probation

A former Little League coach was sentenced to five years' probation Monday for stealing thousands of dollars from the league.

Clark County Courthouse records show David McCurdy could receive four years in prison if he violates the terms of his probation. They also indicate he has paid $16,000 in restitution so far, but still owes $17,000.

McCurdy must make monthly payments of about $315 to repay the $17,000 or face prison time.

McCurdy was indicted in October 1998 on charges of theft, attempted theft and insurance fraud.

The indictment was the result of a yearlong probe into the wayward finances of the league and the role of McCurdy, who was its president from 1993 to 1996.

The league bounced a series of checks during 1996 totaling more than $50,000, according to documents obtained by the Sun.

Charges also surround a $73,000 donation from Fletcher Jones in 1994 to erect five scoreboards at Rainbow Park on Oakey Boulevard -- only one of which was constructed.

McCurdy also was charged with making an insurance claim for $50,000 in league equipment he said was stolen but some of which was later located.