Michael Peter O'Neill, 44, of Daly City, Calif., was arrested at 6:30 a.m. Sunday in the 2100 block of U.S. 50 East for the investigation of child abuse/neglect. At about 11 p.m. Saturday O'Neill left two children, a 10-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy, at Scolari's Food & Drug on U.S. 50 East.
When questioned by Scolari's employees, the children stated they were waiting for the Bass ticket outlet to open. (Bass wouldn't be open until 10 a.m.) Not having the heart to turn them out in 37-degree weather, they were allowed to stay and fell asleep on the floor. About 2:40 a.m., when no one had returned for them, the police were called.
O'Neill was allegedly traveling with five children. Another 13-year-old boy was located sitting on a stool outside of Raley's Market on South Carson Street, two other children were allegedly dropped off in Reno.
O'Neill said that he owns a ticket selling business, and works part time for Premier Tickets. He was here to buy $7,200 worth of Backstreet Boys concert tickets.
Police confiscated $7225 in the arrest and the children were placed with Child Protective Services. Officials at Scolari's were not willing to comment on the incident. Bail was set at $40,000.
