The search is on for a man police say successfully made a getaway after donning scuba gear, swimming up to a Disney Springs restaurant, and robbing it.
Per a report from Orlando-based outlet WFTV, the site of the robbery, the nature of which admittedly sounds tailor-made for a future film adaptation, was the Paddlefish restaurant. Just after midnight on Monday, Orange County Sheriff’s Office reps said, the unidentified man stowed away his wet suit and scuba gear before entering the management office of the restaurant, at which point he took as much as $20,000 in cash.
Sources cited in the report add that two employees who were at the restaurant, which had already closed at the time, were tied up. The man did not use weapons in the robbery, though he is believed to have made his escape by again donning scuba attire and hitting the water, with a subsequent search by police proving unsuccessful.
An image of the suspect making the rounds on Tuesday showed his face was fully covered. Additional details on the man were not immediately available.
When reached for comment by Complex on Tuesday, a Paddlefish rep said the restaurant had no comment at this time, noting that the investigation remains ongoing. Paddlefish is one of several popular restaurants at Florida’s Disney Springs, which also counts Enzo’s Hideaway and The Edison among its offerings.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Complex that deputies responded to the scene around 12:10 a.m. local time on Monday.
“When they arrived, deputies met with the victims who said an unknown man entered the business after hours, took some cash and left,” the rep told Complex. “This incident occurred after the restaurant was closed, and there were no patrons present. The victims in this case were not injured and there is no threat to public safety. This is an active and ongoing investigation. We have no additional information to release at this time.”
Complex has also reached out to reps for Disney Springs for additional comment. This story may be updated.
