The balloon was supposed to be a tethered display for the event, but broke loose due to high winds. It forced the pilot to launch into "free flight" for about 20 frightening minutes.
The 69-year-old said he tried to comfort the suspect and suggested that the two go outside. Ultimately, the situation ended in a hug.
Nichols was a known skateboarder who'd spent time at parks in and around Sacramento.
Authorities are looking for a suspect who crashed a helicopter after trying to steal it from Sacramento Executive Airport in California early Wednesday.
Police say all of the victims were adults. Three men and three women.
PHOTO FAIL: The DMV employee took two photos, one of Lesly Pilgrim wearing her mask and another picture without it. A DMV spokesperson said there was an oversight and investigating how this could have happened.
