
On Halloween night, 2024, a chaotic event unfolded at Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT Park, where a 24-year-old woman named Alix Amozig of Merritt Island attempted to enter a restricted area near the Monorail platform.
Incident Overview at Disney EPCOT
Eyewitnesses reported that the night took a rapid downward turn when security personnel spotted her trying to open a door leading to an off-stage area. This act of trespassing set off a series of bizarre interactions with security and law enforcement.
Upon being approached by security, Amozig displayed erratic behavior, leading to her being escorted away from the area.
However, her resistance escalated when she claimed to be struggling to breathe and requested medical assistance. Disney paramedics arrived, but her actions took a surprising turn as she struck one of the medics, knocking off his glasses, although he opted not to press charges.
Escalation of the Situation
As the clock ticked towards 11 PM, with EPCOT closing for the night, Deputy James Waters from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office engaged with Amozig, who was still wandering through the park. She had ignored multiple warnings and continued to behave erratically, which raised eyebrows. Observing her condition, Deputy Waters suspected intoxication and attempted to perform a trespass investigation.
The deputy’s attempts to handcuff her were met with fierce resistance. According to his statements in the arrest report, Amozig was uncooperative, pulling away and shouting as he tried to secure her. In an effort to gain control of the situation, Waters used a wrist lock, which failed. Eventually, he maneuvered her to the ground to apply the handcuffs safely. During this struggle, Amozig managed to bite Waters on the hand, resulting in minor injuries.
Following the altercation, Amozig was taken into custody and charged with trespassing, resisting an officer without violence, and battery on a law enforcement officer. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial date was scheduled for March 31. The case took an unexpected twist when it emerged that Deputy Waters, the arresting officer, had faced legal trouble of his own. In December, he was arrested on an unrelated charge of domestic violence battery in Polk County.
This revelation placed Waters in a precarious position, as local news reports indicated he was placed on paid administrative leave after the incident. With the state attorney’s office declining to pursue charges against him due to the alleged victim’s refusal to prosecute, Waters’ credibility came under scrutiny, especially with his name now appearing on the Brady List— a register of law enforcement officers with issues that could affect their reliability in testimony.
Future Implications for All Parties, Including Disney
As Amozig’s trial approaches, questions loom large about the potential outcomes for both her and Deputy Waters. The security challenges at large gatherings like Halloween at Disney parks are evident, underscoring the difficulty of maintaining order in a venue teeming with guests. Public incidents like this one amplify discussions about the protocols in place to handle unruly patrons and the responsibilities of both security personnel and law enforcement officers.
The broader implications of this incident extend to issues of law enforcement credibility. With Waters’ past actions now part of public record, it could affect the prosecution of Amozig’s case and the efficacy of future law enforcement proceedings. As the court date draws near, all eyes will be on the developments in this multifaceted situation, revealing how the ongoing saga will impact theme park security policies and the legal landscape for both officers and citizens engaged in confrontational situations.