Disney World restaurant robbed by 'suspect in scuba gear' who allegedly stole up to $20k

A popular seafood restaurant at Walt Disney World has found itself at the centre of a bizarre crime after a thief in full scuba gear allegedly made off with thousands of dollars.

The incident took place at Paddlefish, a well-known restaurant at Disney Springs, the bustling shopping and dining district at the Florida resort. According to reports, the robbery unfolded just after midnight on 15 September, when the restaurant had closed for the evening.

At the time, a manager and two employees were inside an office counting up the night’s takings. That was when the intruder struck. Surveillance footage showed a figure dressed head-to-toe in a wetsuit, complete with gloves and goggles, spraying a substance over one of the cameras.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that between $10,000 and $20,000 in cash was taken during the incident.

The robber of the Disney Springs Florida restaurant in scuba gear (NBC News)

While the robber forced the staff into a corner and instructed them to close their eyes, there were no weapons displayed. Sources cited by local outlet WFTV suggested that the employees were tied up, though the official report is said to have been heavily redacted.

Despite the shocking intrusion, staff were not physically harmed. The suspect, described as a man of around 5’10” with a slim build, was in and out in under two minutes. Once he fled, the employees were able to free themselves and call 911.

Photos released by the Sheriff’s Office, and shared by NBC News, showed the masked bandit kitted out in diving gear. The unusual choice of clothing has raised questions about how the thief managed to access and leave the scene so quickly. An anonymous tip to Orlando’s WKMG-TV claimed the man swam across the water outside the venue in his wetsuit, though deputies have not confirmed this account.

The Paddlefish restaurant, which was robbed by the man in scuba gear (NBC News)

Soon after WFTV and NBC’s reports, the strange circumstances of the robbery attracted national attention. Paddlefish, which operates under Levy Restaurants, declined to offer further details. Talking to WKMG-TV, a spokesperson said: “We have no comment; this is an active investigation.”

Authorities have stated that the suspect could face a charge of grand theft in the third degree. For now, though, the case remains open, and no arrests have been announced.

The robbery adds to the list of unusual crimes in Florida, but the scuba disguise and potential waterborne getaway make it one of the most unusual in recent memory. What is clear, however, is that a much-loved Disney Springs restaurant is now down tens of thousands of dollars, and a mysterious bandit remains on the run.