Investigators are searching for a man they say robbed Paddlefish at Disney Springs by swimming up in scuba gear (including wetsuit) and then swam away after he stole thousands of dollars.
The thief hit the popular Disney Springs restaurant shortly after it closed to guests yesterday evening (Monday 15th September), according to an WFTV-obtained incident report released by Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OSCO).
OSCO deputies said the main found a place to store his wetsuit and scuba gear before walking into the manager’s office, where the cash from the night was being counted and deposited into a safe.
The report (via WFTV) states the man forced two employees to go to the corner of the room and told them to the close their eyes. The report is heavily redacted, but WFTV sources said he tied the employees up.
Per the pending charge, the man stole between $10,000 and $20,000. The employees said he left within two minutes, and they called 911 after freeing themselves.
According to the report, neither of the employees were hurt and the man didn’t brandish any weapons.
After leaving the restaurant, investigators believe the man donned his scuba gear and jump back into the pond. A search for the man started immediately after the robbery was reported, but he wasn’t found.
A picture released by OCSO showed the man appearing to spray paint a security camera. The employees described the man wearing tight clothing and blue bearnie. They said he was slim and approximately five feet, ten inches tall.
The owners of Paddlefish referred all questions to OCSO. The investigation is ongoing.
The restaurant opened as normal yesterday afternoon. According to WFTV, there was no obdvious signs of an increase in security around Paddlefish. Stay tuned for further updates.
RELATED: Florida Man With Fake IDs and Blank Checks Arrested for Not Paying Walt Disney World Hotel Bill
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
H/T WFTV, Fox 35 Orlando, WDWNT
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