View Full Version : Two tourists abducted, robbed after leaving Downtown Disney
MickeyCrazed
06-10-2007, 07:29 PM
I didn't see this posted yet....
Couple taken at gunpoint, was left near Osceola landfill after struggle.
Etan Horowitz and Erika Hobbs
Sentinel Staff Writers
June 10, 2007
Two Connecticut tourists were abducted and robbed at gunpoint shortly after midnight Sunday morning after a Downtown Disney shopping trip.
According to the Orange County Sheriffs Office, a man in a black Volkswagen Jetta called out a question to the couple, who were staying at a Disney resort, as they walked through the parking lot at the entertainment-and-shopping hotspot.
When they stopped to answer, the couple, Justin Stetzer, 20, and Jessica Dellacamera, 20, both of Branford, Conn., were forced into the car at gunpoint.
Deputies said that three men inside the Jetta drove the tourists to a gas station and forced Stetzer to withdraw money from an ATM. After stopping at an unknown location, the men took the couple to a remote location near an Osceola County landfill.
They forced the couple out of the car and beat them, striking Stetzer in the head with a handgun. But the two fought back against their attackers, and in the scuffle, the gun discharged.
That scared the men, who panicked and fled.
According to deputies, Stetzer and Della camera walked to nearby Kissimmee home and called the police. They were not seriously injured.
The men were able to leave with both the cash and the purchases the couple left behind.
Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez declined to say which resort the pair was staying at or how much longer they would remain in Florida. She said that Disney officials were working with the two "to take care of their immediate needs."
Uncleromulus
06-11-2007, 05:41 AM
One of the reasons why we've not been in that entire area after dark (not to mention at midnight) in many years. Never really feel comfortable there.
Perhaps some more VISABLE security measures might be taken??
There's an on-going thread about this incident on the Attractions Board.
rodkenrich
06-11-2007, 07:36 AM
This is the third incident that has happened at Downtown Disney in the past two years. Everyone needs to be mindful of their surroundings, even as a tourist on vacation inside the grounds of WDW.
schmitty
06-11-2007, 10:32 AM
One of the reasons why we've not been in that entire area after dark (not to mention at midnight) in many years. Never really feel comfortable there.
Perhaps some more VISABLE security measures might be taken??
There's an on-going thread about this incident on the Attractions Board.I agree. I can't stand Downton Disney, especially at night. They do have alot of security going around in the parking lot but with this incident it all probably happened in like 30 seconds.
Jason71
06-11-2007, 01:15 PM
Perhaps some more VISABLE security measures might be taken??
Realistically, I don't know how you could do this. There are already at least a half dozen marked patrol cars and countless security guards and uniformed deputies out even on the slow nights. And security towers in each parking lot. And patrol cars discreetly parked along Hotel Plaza Blvd. as well.
Realistically, I don't know how you could do this. There are already at least a half dozen marked patrol cars and countless security guards and uniformed deputies out even on the slow nights. And security towers in each parking lot. And patrol cars discreetly parked along Hotel Plaza Blvd. as well.
Well, Disney doesn't actually have all that much security personnel. At least compared to the past.
Remember back when Disney had enough security that you actually could feel like you were leaving the real world behind?
I mean it could never be perfect, but it certainly used to be better.
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-11-2007, 07:27 PM
As I posted elsewhere, I'm skeptical about this whole robbery story. I was at DD with my DW on Saturday night and like other nights, there were OCSO deputies all over the place as well as Disney Security on foot and on bicycle. If you were going to pull a robbery/kidnapping this is not the place you'd pick out to do it. Sure it could have happened as reported; I'm just a bit skeptical.
BobK/Orlando
crazy4wdw
06-11-2007, 07:54 PM
Investigators compare notes in abduction from Downtown Disney lot
The 20-year-olds, who are visiting from Connecticut, were not seriously injured.
Etan Horowitz | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted June 11, 2007
Sheriff's investigators from Orange and Osceola counties this afternoon continue to compare notes in the abduction and robbery of two Connecticut tourists.
Jim Solomons, an Orange County sheriff's spokesman, said there is no information as to the suspects' identities, but the two law-enforcement agencies are working together.
"We are scouring for leads," Solomons said.
Justin Stetzer and Jessica DellaCamera, both 20, were finishing up the first day of their Walt Disney World vacation just after midnight Sunday when a man in a black car called out to them.
Thinking they were just answering an innocuous question, the couple walked over to the car in the Downtown Disney parking lot. That is when their vacation turned violent.
At gunpoint, the two were forced inside the Volkswagen Jetta, driven around and then Stetzer was ordered to withdraw money from an automated-teller machine.
After about an hour, the three suspects took Stetzer and DellaCamera to a remote location near an Osceola County landfill, forced them out of the car and beat them.
The couple fought back and the gun discharged during the scuffle, scaring the suspects, who panicked and fled.
"They just thought they were at the end of the road," Solomons said of the victims.
Stetzer and DellaCamera, both of North Branford, Conn., walked to a nearby Kissimmee home and called the Osceola County sheriff's office. They suffered cuts and bruises but were not seriously injured.
Sunday's incident is the latest in several recent attacks in the tourist area.
On May 30, two Orange County deputies were shot when they interrupted a car burglary in progress at the Caribe Royale Resort on World Center Drive.
On May 14, two armed robbers attacked a German couple staying at a Howard Johnson's motel on International Drive. The robbers forced the man onto the floor and threw a blanket over his head. One of them raped the woman and beat her face and head with a weapon after ordering her to empty the room safe.
That same night, a man staying in an extended-stay hotel on Major Boulevard near Universal Orlando, was robbed by two men who matched the description of the Howard Johnson attackers.
Police are still searching for the suspects in Sunday's attack.
The men left with both the cash and the purchases the couple left behind. Solomons would not disclose the value of the money and items that were stolen.
Stetzer and DellaCamera arrived in Central Florida on Saturday and were traveling with DellaCamera's parents. They were finishing a shopping trip at Downtown Disney when the incident occurred.
Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez would not say which resort the pair was staying at or how much longer they would remain in Florida. She said Disney officials were working with the two "to take care of their immediate needs."
Shoppers at Downtown Disney on Sunday afternoon were not surprised to hear about the abduction.
"Nowadays, I think it could happen anywhere," said Kathy Gallardo of Tampa, standing outside Planet Hollywood.
Pedro Ruz Gutierrez, Erika Hobbs and Henry Pierson Curtis of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report. Etan Horowitz can be reached at ehorowitz@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5447.
schmitty
06-11-2007, 07:57 PM
As I posted elsewhere, I'm skeptical about this whole robbery story. I was at DD with my DW on Saturday night and like other nights, there were OCSO deputies all over the place as well as Disney Security on foot and on bicycle. If you were going to pull a robbery/kidnapping this is not the place you'd pick out to do it. Sure it could have happened as reported; I'm just a bit skeptical.
BobK/OrlandoFrom the time they walked to the car to the time they got into the car could have been as little as 15 seconds. Its very easy for something like this to happen.
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-11-2007, 10:38 PM
WFTV Channel 9 is reporting that the 20-year old abducted guy is a known drug addict back in Connecticut, per local police in his city. See the www.wftv.com website as this is breaking news.
BobK/Orlando
Buzz2001
06-12-2007, 05:46 AM
CT news is reporting that the authorities are looking into it because they do not think it really happened. After more digging, they think that the story is not 100% accurate.
Mermaid2sea
06-12-2007, 06:48 AM
CT news is reporting that the authorities are looking into it because they do not think it really happened. After more digging, they think that the story is not 100% accurate.
How can people make up such things??
MICKEEP
06-12-2007, 07:28 AM
One scenario might be that they were trying to buy drugs and just got ripped-off. They made up the story of the abduction to cover what they were really doing.
Another Voice
06-12-2007, 10:48 AM
So either Downtown Disney is a place you can be kidnapped or it's now the local drug shopping mall.
Either way it doesn't sound like Disney can't keep their guests safe.
Monte Cristo
06-12-2007, 11:45 AM
CT Policeman makes mistake regarding CT man??
http://www.wftv.com/news/13481690/detail.html
jimh13432
06-12-2007, 01:29 PM
So either Downtown Disney is a place you can be kidnapped or it's now the local drug shopping mall.
Either way it doesn't sound like Disney can't keep their guests safe.
can I ask why it's Disney's job to keep you safe?
I don't get it. EVERY small, medium, and large city in the US has carjackings and robberies reported on a daily basis. Just because it happens at Disney, its their fault??
I think you're incredibly naive to assume that Disney has the ability to protect you when you're there.
If you were to drown at the beach, would it be the life guard's fault that you died or would it possibly be because you were a poor swimmer?
tazdeb
06-12-2007, 01:45 PM
I once saw a documentery on the "Travelers," a group of gypsy like con artists. One of there scams was to rent a room a Disney, have someone beat the you know what out of one of the women who would then say she was assaulted on property. She would then sue Disney who would settle out of court for a few thousand dollars. Could this be something like that?
G8RFAN
06-12-2007, 02:01 PM
can I ask why it's Disney's job to keep you safe?
I don't get it. EVERY small, medium, and large city in the US has carjackings and robberies reported on a daily basis. Just because it happens at Disney, its their fault??
I think you're incredibly naive to assume that Disney has the ability to protect you when you're there.
If you were to drown at the beach, would it be the life guard's fault that you died or would it possibly be because you were a poor swimmer?
The Simon Malls recently paid a multi-million award for a robbery occuring on one of their mall properties. If I remember correctly, the victim sued saying that she could no longer run her practice due to physical and emotional injuries, but there is an implied level of security provided for their patrons which was proven was not adequate based on past muggings resulting in the award. I think it can easily be proven that Disney has an implied responsibility for security on its properties just by the mere fact that they have a complex security network for WDW. Whether they were negligent is what needs to be asked. Most public beaches will post the risk level for swimming whether there is a life guard attending or not. I have no doubt they do this based on legal counsel recommendations.
You are on Disney's property and therefore Disney has an obligation for your safety. If your safety wasn't Disney's responsibility, then they wouldn't have those security guards at all.
Further, there are rumors of staff reductions, or rather insufficent increases in staffing. DTD is Disney's creation and they are the ones responsible for it becoming a larger target for criminal activity with the extent and design of the buildout. Therefore, they are obligated to address security to maintain the standard they have set.
And from a purely Disney perspective, WDW is sold as being cut off from the everyday world where dreams come true, Magic and all that.
I don't know about you, but none of the dreams I want to come true involve being mugged in front of a chain resturant.
Can Disney prevent all crime? No, Has Disney done better at this in the past? Most assuredly. Is it part of the implied contract that Disney provide such a level of security, most emphatically yes.
jimh13432
06-12-2007, 02:54 PM
There is a ton of security at WDW. You probably only ever see a small percentage of it. Why do you think its so rare when incidents like this "do" happen.
Bad things happen, even in good places! Bad people come into good places too. It doesn't make the place bad, only the people who come into it to do harm.
WDW even have gone so far as to put mobile towers in the parking areas of Downtown Disney to keep an eye on things. WDW is probably one of the safest places in the world.
If you don't feel safe at WDW, please do yourself a favor and don't come.
Just please don't say that WDW can't keep its guest safe or has turned into a local drug shoppingf mall like the other poster did. The guests also have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings.
I say what I say, because the rumors say that. Of course you see more security at Downtown Disney. That doesn't mean that there is enough security at DTD.
Why should I feel compelled to "Be nice" to the Disney company? What the heck difference does it make if I say they can't keep guests safe? There was a time where you could feel a lot safer about WDW. Your saying I shouldn't expect Disney to live up to their reputation? That's a load of poodu. Disney has the reputation for a reason. Excusing them from it is unacceptable.
Of course people should be aware of their surroundings and now the know that Disney is just like everywhere else. Not someplace special like it used to be.
And I had no idea that only people that think Disney can do no wrong and have pixie dust shooting out of their behind were allowed to go to WDW.
:confused3
:cheer2:
G8RFAN
06-12-2007, 03:36 PM
There is a ton of security at WDW. You probably only ever see a small percentage of it. Why do you think its so rare when incidents like this "do" happen.
Bad things happen, even in good places! Bad people come into good places too. It doesn't make the place bad, only the people who come into it to do harm.
WDW even have gone so far as to put mobile towers in the parking areas of Downtown Disney to keep an eye on things. WDW is probably one of the safest places in the world.
If you don't feel safe at WDW, please do yourself a favor and don't come.
Just please don't say that WDW can't keep its guest safe or has turned into a local drug shoppingf mall like the other poster did. The guests also have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings.
Sure bad things happen in good places but people/places still get sued. While I do feel "safer" at WDW, I still don't treat it like it were my own living room. Room safes still get broken into, personal items get stolen, and armed robberies are always a possibility at WDW. So that's why I pack heat and challenge anyone to mess with me! J/K on the last sentence :D, but really, I don't think you need to say that if you don't feel safe, don't come. I'm sure WDW marketing won't be adopting that one. Like every vacation destination, you are a tourist with potentially a lot of cash and other valuables that are very attractive to people who want to take it away from you. Feeling "safe" is very relative and I'm sure you don't mean "safe" in terms of not locking your car or not caring of your surroundings. While in a subway in Rome a couple months ago, a woman tried to pick pocket me twice. I knew what she was doing the first time, but because I didn't scream at her like most Italians would have, she thought I didn't notice. To tell you the truth, I still kept vigillence even when we were in the Vatican, and you don't get much more security and "another world feeling" than that.
jimh13432
06-12-2007, 03:39 PM
Believe me. Disney does plenty wrong. I'm not saying that (heck, they brought Michael Eissner into the company!!).
But to fault Disney security for an incident that "may or may not have even happened" isn't right.
There are lots of places we ALL felt safer to be in a few years ago right? The world has changed.
raidermatt
06-12-2007, 04:25 PM
can I ask why it's Disney's job to keep you safe?
I don't get it. EVERY small, medium, and large city in the US has carjackings and robberies reported on a daily basis. Just because it happens at Disney, its their fault??
I get what you are saying and you definitely have a point. At the same time though, we can't say that Disney can afford to let those problems permeate any part of their property. Very different situations.
I'm not saying it HAS become a big problem, but there are some saying that it's getting worse.
schmitty
06-12-2007, 04:44 PM
Orlando is a very crime ridden city. Angriest city in the US along with the most murders in the US. Its not Disneys direct fault all this crime is happening there.
G8RFAN
06-12-2007, 05:11 PM
Orlando is a very crime ridden city. Angriest city in the US along with the most murders in the US. Its not Disneys direct fault all this crime is happening there.I wan't going to bring that up since I don't technically live there and I thought the murder per capital "award" belongs to Baltimore. I think Miami, Jax and Tampa are probably a little worse. Thanks for being brutally honest tho. ;)
This is simply not true. Orlando isn't even in the top 10 (for 2006) of murder rates per capita.
http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/large_MurderRates.gif
Orlando is considered the Angriest by Men's Health, but that's hardly a statistic worth basing this on.
Donaldsfan176
06-12-2007, 05:36 PM
Two thoughts
First even though you are on Disneys property does not mean that there are security guards watching every single part of every single location. You always must be alert.
Second thought.. Something does not seem right to me. (maybe I'm just a suspicious type) The victims said they walked to a house to call the police. Now forgive me if I'm wrong but didn't they have a cellphone on them? It seems like everybody in the world (exageration) has a cell phone. I may be wrong on this but.....
schmitty
06-12-2007, 06:48 PM
This is simply not true. Orlando isn't even in the top 10 (for 2006) of murder rates per capita.
http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/large_MurderRates.gif
Orlando is considered the Angriest by Men's Health, but that's hardly a statistic worth basing this on.
Orlando's murder rate more than doubled the year before and last year was the worst its even been in Orlando. Thats why I thought it was led in murders. My mistake but its murder rate doubled within a year and crime is getting really bad all around Orlando and thats the point I was trying to make.
All the more reason for WDW to step up security then right?
djblu883
06-12-2007, 07:57 PM
I didn't see New Orleans either and crime there has gotten much worse since Katrina!!! Don't think those stats are accurate...
Uh, that links is from a site about New Orleans, they are number 1.
schmitty
06-12-2007, 08:39 PM
All the more reason for WDW to step up security then right?Absolutely the only place I dont like to go around at night at Disney is DTD even with all the security that was there.
I remember when I was in college, I could be confident that after a night enjoying the shot girl's wares, I could feel confident that the only person how would be taking my cash was Disney.
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-12-2007, 09:15 PM
Anytime you mix (mostly) young adults and alcohol you have a risk of something happening. Downtown Disney is very safe and I'm quite comfortable there with all the security around. Of course vigilence is always needed anywhere you go. The other big nightlife location in Orlando is downtown Orlando. Needless to say which "downtown" is the safest!
BobK/Orlando
Jason71
06-12-2007, 09:56 PM
Orlando's murder rate more than doubled the year before and last year was the worst its even been in Orlando. Thats why I thought it was led in murders. My mistake but its murder rate doubled within a year and crime is getting really bad all around Orlando and thats the point I was trying to make.
While the murder rate has skyrocketed lately, I know of only one murder in the past year that could be classified as occurring in the southwest "tourist" district (the one outside Alehouse on 535). And even with the per capita murder rate increasing (possibly a fluke, maybe a trend), we still have a way to go before we come close to a lot of cities.
I hate to say it, if only because the alleged victims are from the same small CT town I grew up in, but it seems like DTD would be the last place rational crooks would think of kidnapping someone. The area is crawling with police, not to mention WDW security. Granted tourists make easy victims because they are unarmed, but still, there are less police-heavy areas around here. Northern I-Drive I could see, but not Hotel Plaza Blvd.
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-12-2007, 10:46 PM
While the murder rate has skyrocketed lately, I know of only one murder in the past year that could be classified as occurring in the southwest "tourist" district (the one outside Alehouse on 535). And even with the per capita murder rate increasing (possibly a fluke, maybe a trend), we still have a way to go before we come close to a lot of cities.
Most of the crime increases around Orlando are actually in the unincorporated area of Orange County known as Pine Hills. This is a very large area west of the city limits of Orlando itself and east of Ocoee. Those of us who live around here affectionately call Pine Hills, "Crime Hills".
BobK/Orlando
tidefan
06-13-2007, 01:35 AM
This is simply not true. Orlando isn't even in the top 10 (for 2006) of murder rates per capita.
http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/large_MurderRates.gif
Orlando is considered the Angriest by Men's Health, but that's hardly a statistic worth basing this on.
OK, getting off topic, but I feel the need to defend Birmingham here. This is somewhat a misuse of statistics. The Birmingham metro area is over 1 million people, but the actual city of Birmingham is only about 300,000 of that. That being said, the vast majority of crime that occurs in metro Birmingham is actually in the city itself and not in the outlying areas. When you look at the metro area as a whole, we have about the same rate as Nashville. However, since Nashville is a city/county metropolitan government, the crime rates are spread across the entire county, not just the inner city so "Nashville" looks to have a much lower rate than "Birmingham".
Also, notice that New Orleans went from 63.5 to 72.6 just because of the population decrease. So the number of murders remained constant, but more people left the city.
laceemouse
06-13-2007, 12:14 PM
OK, getting off topic, but I feel the need to defend Birmingham here. This is somewhat a misuse of statistics. The Birmingham metro area is over 1 million people, but the actual city of Birmingham is only about 300,000 of that. That being said, the vast majority of crime that occurs in metro Birmingham is actually in the city itself and not in the outlying areas. When you look at the metro area as a whole, we have about the same rate as Nashville. However, since Nashville is a city/county metropolitan government, the crime rates are spread across the entire county, not just the inner city so "Nashville" looks to have a much lower rate than "Birmingham".
Also, notice that New Orleans went from 63.5 to 72.6 just because of the population decrease. So the number of murders remained constant, but more people left the city.
Honestly, the same can be said for ANY major city, most of the crime takes place in certain crime infested areas. I have lived in Jacksonville, Fl., metro DC, Chicagoland, and now the Dallas burbs and ALL of these cities have high crime areas that no one in their right mind would visit late at night!
I think Disney does it's best to keep guests safe but there is no way they can prevent all crime. Tourists have been a target since tourism came into being. I have seen way too many people being unaware of their surroundings at WDW, kids left unsupervised, etc. People need to stay on guard on WDW property just like they would in any other city, not to do so is just plain dumb!
Adding, those crime stats are always hard to figure out, every city I have lived in has claimed to be the "murder capitol!" I think there are LOTS of different lists and they all come about their stats in different ways so there are a lot of contradictions.................................... ...
Jason71
06-13-2007, 01:16 PM
New update from the Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-disneyrobbery061307,0,2381379.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
The "victims" have refused to prosecute if the suspects are ever caught, and also refused to give details to a sketch artist or take a lie-detector test. The story gets fishier...
mrsR123
06-13-2007, 01:47 PM
Don't most ATM's have video surveillance these days? Seems like that would be easy to check for signs of stress, others, etc.
What a sad commentary on our society that we have to debate whether this might me a spurious claim.
Regardless, I'll scratch Downtown Disney off the list of places I'll let my teen shop out of my immediate supervision and think twice about going there after dark alone myself next January.
MICKEEP
06-13-2007, 01:48 PM
This is really getting interesting.
I see a "Movie-of-the-Week" in the making :rotfl2:
On the Birmingham thing. Gary Indiana is part of the Chicago Metro area, so I think that list is going by city limits, NOT metro area.
disneyfan67
06-13-2007, 05:52 PM
New update from the Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-disneyrobbery061307,0,2381379.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
The "victims" have refused to prosecute if the suspects are ever caught, and also refused to give details to a sketch artist or take a lie-detector test. The story gets fishier...
I figured there was more to the story and this statement of them not wanting to prosecute the suspects if caught, is a red flag to me. This quote below from the article is troubling, to say the least.
"The couple, who were visiting Walt Disney World with DellaCamera's parents, decided not to go any further with the investigation after they were asked to provide facial details for composite sketches of the robbers and to undergo voice stress analysis, a form of lie-detector test, according to the sheriff's office".
disneyfan67
06-13-2007, 06:00 PM
Don't most ATM's have video surveillance these days? Seems like that would be easy to check for signs of stress, others, etc.
What a sad commentary on our society that we have to debate whether this might me a spurious claim.
Regardless, I'll scratch Downtown Disney off the list of places I'll let my teen shop out of my immediate supervision and think twice about going there after dark alone myself next January.
I don't think this is a DTD problem at all, IMO. I think this is drug deal that went sour, really quick. Why wouldn't these two want to prosecute the suspects when the eventually get caught? I'm not coming at this from a "fan of Disney and Disney can do no wrong" type of thing. The whole thing stinks and like that "run away bride kidnapping" thing 2 years ago, and the truth will eventually come out.
How is a Drug deal going sour at DTD not a DTD problem?
You know, at Disneyland, I've occasionally gotten a second hand high from pot smoke in It's a Small World. I typically inform the operators and inform guest services. Should I just let that go too? Of course, I then buy a bunch of nachos and some churros cause I have the munchies, so maybe Disney wants it to stay that way. Hmm....
MickeyCrazed
06-13-2007, 08:49 PM
I figured there was more to the story and this statement of them not wanting to prosecute the suspects if caught, is a red flag to me. This quote below from the article is troubling, to say the least.
"The couple, who were visiting Walt Disney World with DellaCamera's parents, decided not to go any further with the investigation after they were asked to provide facial details for composite sketches of the robbers and to undergo voice stress analysis, a form of lie-detector test, according to the sheriff's office".
OK... now I feel stupid for originally posting this topic.
This sounds as fishy as the boy who got beat up by Tigger earlier this year.
What is wrong with people?
Cheshire Figment
06-13-2007, 09:53 PM
Here is the latest (current) article from the Orlando Sentinel's web site:
The victims of a recent robbery and kidnapping at Downtown Disney have decided not to prosecute if the Orange County Sheriff's Office captures their abductors.
"They both signed DOI's within the past hour," sheriff's spokesman Jim Solomons said shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday. DOI stands for declination of intent, a form stating that victims decline to prosecute.
The abduction early Sunday of Jessica DellaCamera and Justin Stetzer, tourists from Connecticut, attracted national attention after they reported being taken at gunpoint from Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World's shopping and nightclub center.
They told investigators that three men forced them into a car and drove them to withdraw cash from ATMs before leaving them in a dump in nearby Osceola County, where the men beat them. They also told investigators they fought back and escaped when one of their abductors' guns fired accidentally, according to the sheriff's office.
"When you get down to the bottom line we still consider them victims," Solomons said, noting that DellaCamera and Stetzer, both 20 years old, showed signs of having been beaten.
The couple, who were visiting Walt Disney World with DellaCamera's parents, decided not to go any further with the investigation after they were asked to provide facial details for composite sketches of the robbers and to undergo voice stress analysis, a form of lie-detector test, according to the sheriff's office.
disneyfan67
06-14-2007, 01:42 AM
How is a Drug deal going sour at DTD not a DTD problem?
What I was trying to say was that a private, illegal act between a few adults doesn't or shouldn't paint DTD in a harsh light. It's not like it's a drug infested housing project or gang war zone. I would be willing to bet good money that I don't have, that plenty of illegal activity goes on at WDW with out any one's knowledge. It's not the perfect place some make it out to be, but it isn't as bad as some would like to paint it as. I'm not saying Disney shouldn't add more security personnel and install more cameras. They should beef up their security force, ASAP, especially with crime in Orlando on the upswing. People pay a fair amount of money to go to WDW and stay onsite, reports like this could really harm Disney's reputation. I hope the police get to the bottom of this case fairly quick. Something just isn't right about this latest incident, IMO.
I feel pretty safe at WDW for the most part, but there's always the slim chance something bad could happen. I think WDW does a pretty good job of giving you the illusion of leaving the real world behind for awhile when you enter their gates. I think reports like this are blown out of proportion by the media. When your headline shouts "Kidnapping at Disney World", people are going to pay attention, whether it fair reporting or not.
tpayne
06-14-2007, 09:50 AM
Sounds to me like somebody may have been running out of Disney dollars. Didn't I read that Disney was trying to help with their financial situation? It's sad to think they would make up all that, but nowadays it's hard to trust anyone.I hope I'm wrong:confused3
jimmytammy
06-14-2007, 10:29 AM
:confused3 It sounded like that may be the case after hearing the news. Im with you, hope that isnt the case but sure looks suspicious.
Sounds to me like somebody may have been running out of Disney dollars. Didn't I read that Disney was trying to help with their financial situation? It's sad to think they would make up all that, but nowadays it's hard to trust anyone.I hope I'm wrong:confused3
thefirebuilds
06-15-2007, 01:48 PM
Carnies and Rubes. That's not even a seedy area, but if I were looking for easy pickings it seems like the place to go. The fact that these bozos got into the car TWICE says they aren't very bright. The whole lot is lucky something worse didn't happen.
thefirebuilds
06-15-2007, 03:53 PM
Wait, did I read an implication these guys were trying to get high at Disney? DisneyWorld is like an expensive acid trip to begin with. I don't think I could handle being high in "It's a Small World."
lisuhut
06-16-2007, 06:02 AM
oh i hope this story is made up, as sick as it is, cause i go to dtd on my own every time i visit wdw, as i live in england, i only find out this sort of thing through the dis boards, i can not see my husband letting me go on my own ,for quiet time and of course shopping time ,again. these sort of people take the magic away from wdw.
thefirebuilds
06-16-2007, 08:22 AM
I know there are places in England one doesn't wander on their own, just keep your wits, stay in groups, and don't go off looking for trouble. Those from outside of Tampa/Orlando don't realize how bad of an area it has gotten to be (and has been for 20 years or more).
Last time I was at DW I saw these cops up in mechanical chair lifts like the things in Jurassic Park II, it was really weird. It held them 20 or so feet in the air so they could see around. strange.
TheRustyScupper
06-16-2007, 02:46 PM
1) I have written SEVERAL posts about security at Downtown Disney.
2) In each post I said that we no longer go to Pleasure Island or West Side.
3) The wife actually says, "It is the one place in WDW that I don't feel safe.".
4) Need there be more proof?
5) How about other crimes that don't get reported (eg. pick-pockets)?
NOTE: One always sees a few WDW security cars or jeeps at DTD, but they are usually parked neatly instead of cruising and protecting people. I am sorry to be so negative on the point, but Disney has let security lapse at DTD.
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-16-2007, 06:16 PM
There are Disney Security guards all over the place at DTD and PI. There are Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies all over the place inside Pleasure Island and out in the DTD parking lot. You are a lot more safe shopping at DTD than out at the Florida Mall, IMO. You can't stand in the DTD parking lot at PI closing time for more than a couple minutes before someone in uniform comes along to ask if you're ok and if you are, to please move along. Security has not lapsed in Downtown Disney. What has happened if anything is that crime has increased like it has EVERYWHERE else and DTD can't be completely immune to what is happenening to society at large. But they do a heck of a job keeping things in order! Anyone who "won't go to DD anymore" better not go anywhere else anymore either.
BobK/Orlando
Dznefreek
06-17-2007, 02:51 PM
There are Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies all over the place inside Pleasure Island and out in the DTD parking lot. Funny I live locally, go all the time (today as a matter of fact) and never see them. I think you are exaggerating there presence. . . . .
peter11435
06-17-2007, 05:50 PM
Funny I live locally, go all the time (today as a matter of fact) and never see them. I think you are exaggerating there presence. . . . .
You must not be looking.
Hmm, 2 locals say there's no security. One won't even go anymore. another local says there is security, and Peter, who may be a local, but who I also know to make stuff up (welcome back, we missed your particular....idiom) say security is fine.
I don't know what the security situation is for sure, but I do know that what TRS and Dznefreek say matches the rumors I've heard out of Burbank. Security is understaffed and can't handle DTD.
There should be no reason for DTD to become less safe. That's a copout. if more unsavory activities are occuring there, then Disney needs to step up the security. If it's gotten less safe, because the world is less safe, then Disney needs to do more the return it to safety. That's their job.
Also, just fyi, Terrorists not withstanding, crime in america isn't particularly worse now thne it was 20 years ago. In many places it's in fact significant;y better. If this is not true in WDW, then again, it's Disney's fault, because other places have done impressive things to mitigate crime.
Dznefreek
06-17-2007, 08:06 PM
You must not be looking.
No. Your implication is that you would see them everywhere and that is simply not the case. If they were "everywhere" I would be bumping into them. It is a purely case of symantecs when you say "everywhere" .
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-17-2007, 08:32 PM
No. Your implication is that you would see them everywhere and that is simply not the case. If they were "everywhere" I would be bumping into them. It is a purely case of symantecs when you say "everywhere" .
OK, "everywhere" is an exaggeration. But I was at PI last night and there were deputies parked in the parking lot, they were walking around the sidewalks of PI, there were two standing inside 8TRAX and later I saw them outside Mannequins. When we departed at closing time they were near the main exit. And that's just the deputies; there were even more Disney Security people around. So how anyone can visit PI and say there is no security has to be not looking. I'm only there on Saturday nights and sometimes Friday nights. Can't speak for other nights.
BobK/Orlando
DaGrumpy
06-18-2007, 02:59 AM
Every time I've visit PI and DTD I have ran into a few deputies, and always see the WDW security. It doesn't matter how many security guards or sheriffs are around something wrong could possibly happen.
Jason71
06-18-2007, 08:22 AM
OK, "everywhere" is an exaggeration. But I was at PI last night and there were deputies parked in the parking lot, they were walking around the sidewalks of PI, there were two standing inside 8TRAX and later I saw them outside Mannequins. When we departed at closing time they were near the main exit. And that's just the deputies; there were even more Disney Security people around. So how anyone can visit PI and say there is no security has to be not looking. I'm only there on Saturday nights and sometimes Friday nights. Can't speak for other nights.
BobK/Orlando
I agree, deputies/security have a huge presence at PI. More so on the weekends, for obvious reasons, but during the week as well (probably more noticable on a weeknight because there is less of a crowd). I really don't know how you could miss the uniformed deputies.
I also agree that if you avoid DTD/PI because of a perceived lack of security, don't even think of going to the real downtown Orlando, or the bars on Palm Parkway, or Old Town, or I-Drive north of Sand Lake, or the Florida Mall...
peter11435
06-18-2007, 08:39 AM
and Peter, who may be a local, but who I also know to make stuff up (welcome back, we missed your particular....idiom).
Now I remember why I had stopped posting here. Yes I am a local, and no I have never made anything up that I have posted. Thanks for the personal attack though... I missed you too.
crazy4wdw
06-18-2007, 10:55 AM
Just another friendly reminder regarding the board guidelines. There are folks posting statements which can be construed as personal attacks.
3. NO FIGHTING/SARCASM: While we'd like to think that a Disney fan site is always lighthearted, there are times when there are disagreements. Let's face it, there are certain topics that can transform any of us into a raging "Donald Duck." When you sense this is happening, we ask that you step away from the discussion before it escalates into a fight. Just like Mom always said about fighting, we don't care who started the argument and we don't want it on the DIS. (Okay, she didn't say the part about the DIS, but you know what we mean.) No attacking others and no sarcasm please. Either will result in an infraction
Board Guidelines: http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH
06-18-2007, 09:53 PM
I also agree that if you avoid DTD/PI because of a perceived lack of security, don't even think of going to the real downtown Orlando, or the bars on Palm Parkway, or Old Town, or I-Drive north of Sand Lake, or the Florida Mall...
Amen. The real world has much less security than DTD.
BobK/Orlando
1) I have written SEVERAL posts about security at Downtown Disney.
2) In each post I said that we no longer go to Pleasure Island or West Side.
3) The wife actually says, "It is the one place in WDW that I don't feel safe.".
4) Need there be more proof?
5) How about other crimes that don't get reported (eg. pick-pockets)?
NOTE: One always sees a few WDW security cars or jeeps at DTD, but they are usually parked neatly instead of cruising and protecting people. I am sorry to be so negative on the point, but Disney has let security lapse at DTD.
I'm sorry you feel that way. I used to be at Downtown Disney at least 5 nights a week - and I felt safe 99% of the time
Funny I live locally, go all the time (today as a matter of fact) and never see them. I think you are exaggerating there presence. . . . .
KingBob is not exaggerating at all. They are actually at Downtown Disney in rather large numbers at night time. They actually help Disney Security "close" Pleasure Island at the end of the night even.
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I'm trying to figure out what the real concern here is. Millions of people visit Downtown Disney. Around 5,000 people visit Pleasure Island alone...per night! I spent a lot of time around Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney in general. In the span of two years, I spent about a year and four months in that area, about 5-6 times per week during that time. Out of all that time I was there, I can only remember ONE assault, no robberies, and one VERY intoxicated man that claimed to have been pickpocketed - even though he was holding the wallet he claimed to be missing in his hand.
I ALWAYS felt much safer at Downtown Disney than I EVER had at the Florida Mall, or Millenia.
Also, remember that not all aspects of security can be seen wearing uniform. :rolleyes1
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