Hot Air Balloon Stolen In Indiana Discovered At Florida Festival

A hot air balloon that was stolen in Indiana turned up at a festival in Florida. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office received a tip from the Bloomington Police Department that the balloon was spotted at the Villages Hot Air Balloon Festival, which was being held at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala.

Deputies had no trouble finding the balloon and had it towed away so it could be returned to its owner, who told officials he does not wish to press charges against whoever stole it.

In a Facebook post about the incident, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said it was the first time in the department's 175 year history that they have ever dealt with a stolen hot air balloon.

You’re going to think we’re full of “hot air” when you read this, but for the first time in our 175 years of existence, we recovered a stolen hot air balloon!

Authorities did not release the identity of the person who allegedly stole the hot air balloon.

Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office