Scuba-clad thief ties up workers, swims away with up to $20,000 from Disney Springs restaurant
Orange County deputies say a suspect in a wetsuit entered the Paddlefish restaurant after midnight, tied employees and escaped via the waterfront; no injuries reported and the suspect remains at large.
A man wearing a wetsuit and scuba gear forced his way into a waterfront restaurant at Walt Disney World shortly after midnight and left by swimming away with between $10,000 and $20,000, Orange County deputies said.
Police said the suspect approached the Paddlefish restaurant, a steamboat-style dining venue at the Disney Springs shopping complex in Lake Buena Vista, stashed his diving equipment and walked into a manager’s office while employees were counting the night’s cash to deposit it in a safe. The suspect then forced two employees into a corner, tied them and told them to close their eyes, according to charging documents and local media reports. The employees were not injured and were able to free themselves and call police.
Authorities said the robbery unfolded quickly. Within about two minutes, the suspect had collected the cash and left the office. Deputies believe he put the wetsuit and scuba gear back on and swam from the restaurant across the pond at Disney Springs. Surveillance footage obtained by investigators shows a person who appears to be spraying a security camera while wearing goggles, rubber gloves and tight clothing. A booking or arrest has not been reported.
Charging documents and police accounts estimate the theft at between $10,000 and $20,000. Law enforcement released a still image from surveillance video showing a person in diving attire near the restaurant; employees described the man as about 5 feet 10 inches tall. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and has not identified a suspect publicly.
The restaurant, which reopened to guests at noon Monday, is a popular dining destination for visitors to Disney World. Deputies declined to provide additional details about leads or a motive. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from the area and canvassing for witnesses.
Deputies asked anyone with information or additional video to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. No charges have been filed publicly as the probe continues.
