Albuquerque, NM(KKOB) – Thanks to phone tips, a man is in custody for allegedly stealing a remote-controlled balloon from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta warehouse on Thanksgiving weekend. Thanks to surveillance video and photos shared by Balloon Fiesta and Albuquerque police, tips from the public helped make the arrest. APD reported that two anonymous tips identified the man who was seen in the video and photos and credited media involvement in informing the public to hopefully get help in solving the crime.
42-year old Jesse Sanchez, was recognized by his limp and a tattoo on his neck. Sanchez has a history of arrests by police including one in January for check fraud and other arrests for larceny, burglary and forgery.
The balloon, nicknamed “Patriot” by Balloon Fiesta officials, is work $5,000 and was returned to the Balloon Fiesta.
Sanchez remains inside MDC without bond on burglary and larceny charges.
