Sheriff Reportedly Has A Suspect In Custody, But Would Not Confirm

Reports coming into ANN indicate that the first America's Challenge Gas Balloon to land did so because it was shot at by someone as it flew at about 800' AGL over Texas. The balloon, piloted by Troy Bradley and Shane Robinson, made a safe landing northwest of Plainview, TX Saturday evening about 1925 MDT.

An ANN reader relayed that Robinson said on his Facebook page that the flight "hadn't gone as planned." He said the balloon was shot at several times near sunset, and that they had landed safely. Robinson said that Swisher County, TX Sheriff's officers made an arrest, and the FAA and FBI had been notified.

A balloon fiesta staffer confirms that the balloon made a precautionary landing Saturday night due to damage caused by gunfire.

The Swisher County Sheriff's office told ANN Monday only that the case was still under investigation, and that they are waiting to hear from the balloon pilot.

More details as they become available.

Meanwhile, one team continues to press eastward. The America’s Challenge Command Center has received word that Danielle Francoeur and Linda Ellis (Team 7) have landed safely in Monterey Township southwest of Holland, MI after a spectacular 1,223 mi. (1,968 km) flight.  They made a stand-up landing and a couple of local residents helped them walk the balloon to a road. 

That leaves just Albuquerque’s Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team 3) still aloft.  As of this report they are over Detroit, MI, having traveled 1,349 mi. (2,171 km) and still flying.

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com/gas-balloons/america-s-challenge