Fugitives on the Loose: Sheriff’s Helicopter Circles Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A dramatic scene unfolded over Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Tuesday as a sheriff’s helicopter was seen circling the area, apparently searching for suspects who had fled from law enforcement. The unusual sight sparked concern and speculation among Walt Disney World Resort guests.
On May 21, Reddit user u/vinnyvencenzo posted a video capturing the helicopter hovering near the pool area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House. “Was hanging out at AKL Jambo pool and the sheriffs helicopter was circling around at 500ft for a while, like they were looking for something or someone,” the Disney Park guest wrote. “Anyone know what was going down?”
Sheriff’s Helicopter circling AKL
Sheriff’s Helicopter circling AKL
byu/vinnyvencenzo inWaltDisneyWorld
The helicopter’s flight pattern suggested an active search over the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel’s property and nearby parking lots. While some speculated the aircraft might have been circling the adjacent U.S. Route 192, the guest insisted it was focused on the Walt Disney World Resort grounds.
“They were circling,” the guest said. “It seemed like they were looking for someone around the property and parking lot.”
Neither Walt Disney World Resort nor the Orange County Sheriff’s Department released official statements about the incident. However, reports from individuals claiming to be in the area detailed that two suspects attempted to evade capture by driving onto Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge property.
“A couple of people ran from the Orange County [Sheriff’s Office] and were dumb enough to drive into AKL,” Reddit user u/SeriousStrokes69 shared. “They [ended] up in the bus loop at Kidani, which of course is as far as you can go. Anyway, the two were caught and arrested.”
Disney Dining was unable to independently verify these reports, and as of the afternoon following the incident, no visible law enforcement activity remained at the resort.
Have you ever seen police activity at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments.
