A bizarre heist at Disney Springs has left law enforcement scratching their heads and social media users amazed by the suspect’s unusual escape method. The wetsuit-wearing bandit made off with up to $20,000 from a popular restaurant before allegedly swimming away into the night.
The incident occurred just after midnight on September 15 at Paddlefish, a seafood restaurant located in Disney’s entertainment district, according to WFTV. Surveillance footage shows the suspect wearing a full wetsuit, goggles, and gloves while entering the establishment as employees were counting the day’s profits.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the intruder forced three staff members into a corner and told them to close their eyes. Within two minutes, the suspect had grabbed between $10,000 and $20,000 in cash and disappeared. No weapons were used, and employees were physically unharmed.
Social Media Users React with Mix of Shock and Admiration
The story quickly went viral on TikTok and other platforms, with users expressing disbelief at the creative crime. “At this point he deserves to keep that money,” wrote one commenter, while another joked, “What kind of GTA heist is this?”
@cbsmornings An alleged robber wearing a wetsuit made off with up to $20,000 from a restaurant in Disney Springs, outside of Disney World in Orlando, Florida, police say, swimming off into the lagoon, after surprising workers who had been putting cash in a safe. #disneysprings #disneyworld
♬ original sound – CBS Mornings
Many users couldn’t help but be impressed by the planning involved. “I’m not an advocate of crime but I am quite impressed,” one person admitted.
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Even law enforcement professionals seemed stunned by the audacity. “I’ve been a cop for a decade and I’m rooting for him lol,” one commenter claimed.
How Did This Aquatic Escape Actually Work?
Anonymous tips suggest the suspect escaped by swimming across the lagoon in the black wetsuit, though deputies haven’t confirmed this detail. The individual is described as a man about 5’10” with a slim build, completely covered from head to toe.
Law enforcement is treating this as an active investigation, with the suspect potentially facing grand theft charges. Security footage captured the person spraying a substance over cameras, suggesting significant pre-planning.
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The unusual nature of this crime has sparked discussions about security measures at waterfront establishments, with some social media users joking that “Disney has to invest in underwater cameras now.”