A Midnight Heist on the Water
Authorities are investigating a bizarre robbery at Disney Springs after a man dressed in scuba gear allegedly held up the Paddlefish restaurant and made his escape by swimming away. The incident happened just after midnight on Monday, when the suspect forced his way into the manager’s office as staff were counting the night’s earnings.
Inside the Restaurant
Deputies say the robber cornered two employees, ordered them to close their eyes, and tied them up. No weapons were displayed during the incident, but the suspect managed to steal between $10,000 and $20,000 in cash before fleeing. Neither of the employees was physically harmed, though the confrontation left them shaken.
A Surreal Escape
What made the crime stand out was the getaway. After the robbery, the suspect donned scuba gear, including a wetsuit, and dove into a man-made pond adjacent to the restaurant. Security cameras reportedly caught him spray-painting a surveillance lens before entering the water. Authorities believe he may have staged equipment ahead of time to aid his escape.
A Calculated Plan
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect appeared to know the layout of the restaurant and the location of its cameras. Described as slim, around 5 feet 10 inches tall, and wearing a blue beanie under his gear, the robber’s disguise helped conceal his identity. Investigators believe the crime was carefully planned and timed to coincide with the restaurant’s nightly cash handling.
Business as Usual
Despite the drama, Paddlefish, which sits on a replica steamboat in the heart of Disney Springs, reopened to the public by noon the same day. Witnesses said visible security remained unchanged, though the restaurant’s management has not publicly commented on whether new safety measures will be introduced.
The Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, canvassing nearby areas, and urging the public to provide tips. So far, no arrests have been made. The robbery’s strange nature — particularly the scuba escape — has made it one of the most unusual cases Central Florida law enforcement has faced in recent memory.
