Alleged remote-controlled balloon thief arrested, balloon returned to Balloon Fiesta

A Patriot has returned home after a man accused of stealing the remote-controlled balloon from a Balloon Fiesta warehouse was arrested.

Jesse Sanchez, 42, is charged with nonresidential burglary and larceny over $2,500. He was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center Friday and does not yet have an attorney.

“It’s obviously really great news that they found the individual and they believe they found the equipment,” said Stephanie Kitts, communication manager for the Balloon Fiesta. “We’re really grateful to APD (Albuquerque Police Department) for all the work that they’ve done and how great they’ve been throughout all this process.”

Kitts said Balloon Fiesta staff will go through the equipment to ensure everything is still present and intact.

On Nov. 27, Albuquerque police were dispatched to the 8000 block of Washington NE after a Balloon Fiesta employee called and told police that a man had stolen nearly $10,000 worth of equipment, including a remote-controlled balloon named Patriot, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Roughly 90 RC balloons have participated in the Balloon Fiesta before, but Patriot is one of only three owned by the Balloon Fiesta.

Other stolen items included a full remote-control balloon kit that holds the envelope, basket, remote control and inflation fan, Kitts said.

Two days after the theft was reported, officers received a tip from someone who said they saw the balloon theft story on the news and believed the man was Sanchez, the complaint states.

Police reviewed surveillance footage and saw a man with a dark gray Kia drive into the warehouse area, according to the complaint.

“The male exited the warehouse, pulling a handcart with the stolen remote controlled balloon and carrying a yellow fan in the other hand,” the complaint states.

Officers used automated license plate readers to track the Kia and used Sanchez’s Facebook account to connect him to the balloon theft, according to the complaint.