The boy-in-a-balloon story that sparked a frantic search in Colorado was a hoax concocted to land a reality television show, authorities said.

Police searched the home of the parents of Colorado’s “balloon boy” early today after the sheriff said he was pursuing criminal charges.

Police are to reinterview a Colorado couple today as speculation mounted that the balloon drama that sparked a frenzied search for their six-year-old son was a huge publicity stunt.