Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
"Balloon" Boy's House Searched, Parents To Be Charged
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 18, 2009
Modified Oct 18, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 4
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 18, 2009
Modified Oct 18, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
"Balloon" Boy FOREVER! After yesterday's not-quite press conference where "Balloon" dad Richard Heene simply claimed again that Thursday's Fort Collins, Colorado runaway balloon was not hoax and offered a cardboard box for reporters' questions, the Larimer County Sheriff's office announced they were preparing charges against the Heene family. According to the Denver Post, "The sheriff did not give specifics, but he said the charges would probably be a Class 3 misdemeanor. False reporting is a Class 3 misdemeanor."
However, Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden added that he "would talk to the district attorney and federal officials, including the Federal Aviation Administration, to see what other charges could be considered." On Thursday, a 20' by 5' flying saucer balloon escaped from the Heene family's backyard—allegedly with his 6-year-old Falcon onboard. However, when the balloon landed, there was no child and it turned out that little Falcon was in the garage attic the entire time. Adding to the mystery was Falcon's claim that it was "for a show" and his repeated puking on national TV, plus news that his parents had been shopping around a reality TV show idea about their family. Gawker spoke with a former assistant of Richard Heene's who strongly believes the entire episode was a hoax.
Richard Heene and wife Mayumi voluntarily met with investigators for a few hours yesterday. Afterwards, they stayed at a motel (where their three sons met up with them) while investigators searched their house and removed a number of boxes and computers.
Alderden is expected to have another press conference later today.
Tagged
balloon boy
colorado
falcon heene
helium balloon
richard heene
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .