Sheriff

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A Colorado father accused of staging a publicity stunt when he reported his 6-year-old son was inside an escaped balloon says the saga has become "convoluted." Richard and Mayumi Heene were shopping at Wal-Mart with their three sons as Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden told reporters at the sheriff's station that the parents' reports were a big hoax.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A Colorado sheriff said Sunday it was a hoax when parents reported that their 6-year-old son was in a flying saucer-like helium balloon hurtling away from their home.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A sheriff said he was pursuing criminal charges in Colorado's "balloon boy" saga, which first sparked fear for the child, then relief that he was OK and now suspicions of a hoax.