(CNN) -- Three days after the world watched a giant balloon fly through the air as a tearful family expressed fears that their 6-year-old boy could be inside, authorities announced what millions suspected: The whole thing was staged. The balloon is displayed at the sheriff's department in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Sunday. The "Aha!" moment that led authorities to realize what had happened was an interview with the family Thursday night on CNN's "Larry King Live," Sheriff Jim Alderden of Larimer County said Sunday. In the interview with Wolf Blitzer, filling in for King, the Heenes asked their son why he had not come out from hiding when they called his name.
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Attorney says Heene will turn himself in if there's "reason to arrest him"
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Sheriff suspected lie after Falcon's comment on 'Larry King Live' Thursday
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Sheriff : Authorities misled media on their suspicions to maintain Heenes' "trust"
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6-year-old, feared to be in runaway balloon Thursday, was later found at home
Mayumi Heene said that the family was sitting in their living room, distraught and terrified for missing @placeholder, when he walked into the room.