Anthony Yates
Authorities are searching for a suspect who robbed a Disney Springs Restaurant. The crime raised eyebrows as the man allegedly approached the venue wearing scuba gear and escaped by diving back into the water.
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What happened: WFTV 9 reported on the bizarre incident, which occurred just after midnight on Monday at the Paddlefish restaurant. The Paddlefish is a Seafood eatery aboard a moored steamboat, per DisneySprings.
- Per WFTV 9, guests had left the restaurant by the time the suspect arrived. The outlet cites sources who believe the man swam to the boat in scuba gear. Orange County Deputies indicated that the suspect took his gear off somewhere on board before approaching the manager’s office. Staff were reportedly counting cash to put in the safe inside the room at the time.
- The suspect reportedly entered the office, forced two employees into the corner of the room, and told them to close their eyes. Sources told WFTV 9 that he tied their hands up. Many details about the encounter remain unclear, but the man reportedly did not harm the employees nor did he threaten them with weapons.
- According to WESH, other employees were on the boat at the time, but they were cleaning upstairs.
The Scuba Suspect Made Off With Over $10,000
In and out within minutes: The suspect reportedly escaped the Disney venue with between $10,000 and $20,000. The employees said the man left within two minutes. They dialed 911 after they freed themselves.
- Authorities believe the suspect swam away from the restaurant after taking the cash. WFTV 9 says police released a picture where it appears the man fired a spray paint can at a security camera.
- Per ABC 7, employees said the suspect wore a blue beanie hat and tight blue clothes.
- The restaurant was open for business as usual the following day, but the search for the suspect remains ongoing. Jeanne Rose, a local, blasted the incident, per WESH, “Just ridiculous, I mean, how are you going to find this dude?” she asked.
An investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to get in touch.
