
Deputies in Orange County are searching for a man who pulled off a bizarre late-night robbery at the Paddlefish restaurant in Disney Springs — dressed head to toe in scuba gear.
The unusual heist happened just after midnight on Monday, September 15, at one of Walt Disney World's most popular waterfront restaurants.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the suspect made off with between $10,000 and $20,000 in cash before escaping — possibly by swimming away, FoxBusiness reported.
Restaurant security cameras captured the man wearing a black wetsuit, blue rubber gloves, and goggles as he entered the restaurant's office while two employees were closing up for the night.
The suspect reportedly told the workers to "get down" and "close their eyes." Deputies say he did not show a weapon or suggest he had one.
The Paddlefish restaurant, shaped like a steamboat and sitting on a small lake inside Disney Springs, was closed at the time of the crime. Some reports suggest the man may have arrived — and later escaped — by water.
Man dressed in scuba gear accused of robbing Disney Springs restaurant and then swimming away https://t.co/ZSRfWriAJb pic.twitter.com/IE0lb4lP50
— WKYT (@WKYT) September 16, 2025
Unusual Disney Springs Robbery Leaves Workers Shaken, Suspect Missing
According to the incident report, the thief tied up the two employees, took the cash they were placing into the safe, and left the scene within minutes. "I was in fear of my life," one of the employees later told deputies.
Based on the NY Post, the man has not yet been caught. He was last seen wearing tight black clothing, gloves, and goggles — and, in one photo released by deputies, appears to be spray-painting a security camera.
Investigators believe he may have used scuba gear to access or escape from the scene.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation and has asked anyone with information to come forward. No arrests have been made so far.
Paddlefish, which is operated by Levy Restaurants, declined to comment on the incident. A Disney spokesperson directed all questions to the sheriff's office, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
Despite the robbery, the restaurant opened for business as usual at noon on Monday.
The strange crime has caught the attention of both tourists and locals, especially because of how unusual the suspect's outfit was. Deputies describe him as about 5'10" tall and say the investigation remains active.
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