September 16, 2025 4:18 PM ET

A thief in scuba gear allegedly swam up to Disney Springs’ Paddlefish restaurant after midnight Monday, stole up to $20,000, and escaped by diving back into the water while Disney’s security failed to intervene.

The suspect allegedly surfaced at the replica steamboat eatery, stashed his wetsuit and walked into the manager’s office where employees were counting cash deposits, according to WFTV News. The alleged robber forced two employees into a corner, ordered them to shut their eyes and tied them up, sources told the outlet. (RELATED: REPORT: Former California Chef Allegedly Robbed Three Banks In One Day)

The workers reportedly freed themselves and called 911, but deputies searching the area came up empty.

A man wearing scuba gear reportedly stole as much as $20,000 from the Paddlefish restaurant at Disney Springs, then jumped into the water and escaped before deputies arrived early Monday morning, according to two restaurant employees who were tied up during the burglary. pic.twitter.com/9ZLYzol5nE

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 15, 2025

Orange County deputies believe the thief put his scuba gear back on and slipped into the pond encircling the restaurant. A security image shows him spray-painting a camera before the alleged heist. Witnesses described the suspect as slim, about 5-foot-10, wearing tight clothes and a blue beanie.

He carried no weapon and no one was hurt, according to the outlet. Paddlefish reportedly reopened at noon Monday with no visible boost in security, even as Disney Springs is normally patrolled by both Disney staff and sheriff’s deputies.

The sheriff’s office told the outlet that the investigation is ongoing. Paddlefish reportedly referred all inquiries to law enforcement.