Heene balloon held as evidence

(NECN/KCNC: Larimer County, Colo.) – Larimer County Sheriff James Alderden said Sunday the runaway helium balloon incident was a publicity stunt. At a news conference Sunday, Sheriff Alderden said Richard and Mayumi Heene are actors and they put on a good show. He said the couple manipulated authorities and the media and there will charges filed at some point. Richard and Mayumi Heene and their family have been in the news since Thursday when the makeshift balloon Heene had in his backyard broke free of its tethers. The couple reported that their six-year-old son Falcon was onboard. It turned out the boy was not in the balloon all along. The balloon is currently in evidence at the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Alderden said Sunday that child protective services have been called and they will conduct an investigation into whether the Heene home is a safe environment for the three young boys. A search warrant was conducted at the home Saturday night and various items were taken from the home. Sheriff Alderden says no charges have been filed yet as they continue to investigate. He said at some point they will present a case recommending multiple misdemeanor and felony charges. Material courtesy of KCNC.