Man Steals Hot Air Balloon - Forces Family To Feed Him

[matcom]

<snip>

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Authorities have arrested a man they say stole a hot-air balloon from a Knox County home before breaking into another house and forcing the family to feed him.

Gregory Allen Williams, 40, was caught by police Friday night as he left the home where authorities say he demanded a meal from a couple. The couple's daughter hid in a closet and called authorities on her cell phone, said Loudon County Assistant Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis.

The hot-air balloon, which belongs to James Hood, was packed in a trailer and parked in his driveway Friday morning when a neighbor saw someone hitch the trailer to a vehicle and take off, authorities say.

Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison said the suspect eventually ditched his vehicle and the balloon trailer in a field in Loudon County and fled into nearby woods.

Hood recovered his trailer and balloon, valued at nearly $30,000. Authorities say Williams was already wanted on a probation violation warrant and now faces felony theft charges.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/5467478/detail.html

[DS1]

1. I was soooo hoping this was going to be a hot-jacking, or ball-jacking

or HotAir-Rage :D

[uppityperson]

2. Odd crime of the week

"feed me or the balloon gets it!'