ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An arrest has been made after a weeklong search for the thief behind a remote-control balloon heist. The remote balloon known as the Patriot was taken last week, on Thanksgiving, from a Balloon Fiesta warehouse. After sharing surveillance video and photos, the Albuquerque Police Department said tips from the public helped them connect the dots.
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Remote control hot air balloons are still new to the fiesta scene, but have become a popular sight despite their smaller size. So, when one was stolen back in November, Balloon Fiesta officials were surprised. Thanksgiving evening, their very own red, white, and blue balloon called Patriot was swiped out of their warehouse. Hoping to find the perp, Balloon Fiesta then shared photos and video of the person and their dark gray Kia.
Albuquerque police said two people made anonymous tips identifying the man who helped lead to an arrest. “The information was put out to the local media, and that is what initially helped us get the lead as to who the suspect might be,” said Rebecca Atkins, spokesperson, Albuquerque Police Department. Tipsters told police the man is 42-year-old Jesse Sanchez, recognizing the limp in his walk and a tattoo on his neck, and this isn’t his first time in the criminal spotlight…