Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) – A man convicted of carjacking a hot air balloon pilot ahead of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been sentenced to prison. Nasiah Perea, who was 18 years old at the time of the crime, received a 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of armed robbery, auto theft, and other charges earlier this year.
According to investigators, the incident happened in October 2024 when Perea allegedly forced the pilot’s vehicle off the road near Broadway and Odelia as the victim was driving to a Balloon Fiesta pilot briefing. Police say Perea then held the victim at gunpoint, forced him from the vehicle, and drove away.
The case drew significant attention because of its connection to one of Albuquerque’s largest annual events.
