Epic Universe Guest Arrested After $24 Theft Triggers Parkwide Chase

Overview

• A guest arrest, which followed a reported $24 theft on May 5, came after a foot chase through Celestial Park and Isle of Berk.
• Universal loss-prevention staff said they saw the person take items and began escorting them to the office before the suspect ran.
• Off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies working at the park responded in full uniform and used a takedown to end the chase.
• The suspect was booked on petit theft and resisting an officer without violence, according to an arrest report cited by WDW Active Crime.
• The episode signals strict shoplifting enforcement during the park’s high‑attendance launch period, a stance meant to deter theft in a setting that doubles as a large retail space selling exclusive merchandise.