Larimer County, Colorado, Sheriff: Charges Being Prepared For Filing Against Balloon Boy's Parents, Richard Heene And Wife. Read More Below.

DENVER (Reuters) - Criminal charges will soon be filed in the case of a 6-year-old boy who spurred a frantic search for fear he was inside a wayward helium balloon, but who was later found safe at home, officials said on Saturday.

The Larimer County Sheriff's department was preparing charges over the much-publicized incident. The boy's father, Richard Heene, an amateur scientist and inventor, has denied speculation Thursday's incident was a publicity stunt.

Editor's note: Continue reading from Reuters News Agency.

Editor's comment: It's about time, too.