Disney World, a place known for magic and dreams, recently became the scene of an incredibly audacious and movie-like heist, with the suspect still at large. This week, Florida authorities reported that a man stole a substantial sum, estimated between $10,000 and $20,000, from Paddlefish, a popular restaurant situated on Disney property at Disney Springs.
The incident unfolded just after midnight on Monday, September 15th, while Paddlefish was closed. The robber reportedly swam up to the floating steamboat restaurant and managed to enter the manager’s office. Inside, money was being counted. The suspect instructed two startled staffers to close their eyes and stand in a corner. According to a source, the thief then tied them up before making his escape with the cash.
The employees recounted to police that the burglar left the premises within two minutes. After freeing themselves, they immediately called 911. The Paddlefish restaurant is famously built on a replica steamboat in a lake, and authorities believe the suspect returned to the water, swimming away in full scuba gear. Despite a thorough search of the area, police found no trace of him.
As of September 17th, the suspect remains unidentified and at large. Adding another layer of intrigue to this already dramatic tale, the thief is also said to have spray-painted a security camera to ensure his covert operation went unrecorded.