A scuba-clad thief tied up Disney Springs restaurant employees and swam away with up to $20,000 in cash. Police are still searching for the suspect.
Florida police are investigating a bizarre late-night robbery after a man in scuba gear allegedly stole thousands of dollars from a Disney Springs restaurant before swimming away.
The unusual heist happened overnight on Monday (September 15) at Paddlefish, a well-known seafood restaurant inside Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
How the Robbery Happened
According to an incident report obtained by Fox 35, a man dressed in all black, wearing goggles and what looked like a wetsuit, entered the manager’s office. He reportedly ordered employees to kneel down, close their eyes, and stay quiet.
The suspect left within two minutes, after which staff immediately called 911.
Although the Orange County Sheriff’s Office believes the man was unarmed, security footage shows him holding an unidentified object toward a camera.
Investigators believe the suspect escaped the same way he entered—by water—using scuba gear to vanish into Lake Buena Vista.
How Much Was Stolen?
Police reports listed charges of robbery and grand theft. While the exact amount stolen hasn’t been confirmed, estimates suggest between $10,000 and $20,000 was taken.
Despite the shocking incident, Paddlefish staff were unharmed and managed to reopen the restaurant just 12 hours later for Disney Springs guests.
Disney’s Security Response
The robbery comes only weeks after Disney Springs announced stricter security measures, including mandatory bag checks and metal detectors for all visitors. Previously, guests arriving by bus could bypass screenings, but that loophole has now been closed.
Paddlefish, a 760-seat restaurant built inside a permanently docked steamboat, opened in 2017 following a multimillion-dollar renovation. Although located on Disney property, it operates as a privately owned venue.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/paddlefishorl
