Richard McGuire, 42, is said to have told police he was unaware that his camping out amid the 'tropical paradise' of the Disney island constituted trespassing.
An Alabama man illegally enjoyed the tranquil surroundings of Walt Disney World's Discovery Island while Disney property was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police arrested Richard McGuire, 42, after he was allegedly caught camping out by Disney World security. McGuire told police he was"unaware" that his visit to the abandoned island was trespassing, while describing the island as a"tropical paradise." He was charged with one misdemeanor count of trespassing and banned from Disney properties.. He told authorities that he had gained access to the island on Monday or Tuesday and planned to camp there for about a week.
Disney World has been closed since March 16 due to public health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.Numerous"no trespassing" signs are said to be visible on and near the island. Before he was arrested on Thursday, deputies used a loudspeaker system at the resort to inform him he was trespassing and needed to leave, with no response.
Discovery Island has been closed to the public since 1999, having been used as a Disney wildlife park for the previous 25 years. However, the company left all of the original buildings on the island, one of which McGuire was believed to have been staying in when he was discovered. All Disney parks have been closed indefinitely since March 16 due to public health concerns caused by the pandemic. Although it is unclear when Disney World will be back in business, on Tuesdayreported that a Florida task force recently gave the company guidelines to reopen in phases, beginning at 50 percent capacity.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man camps out at Walt Disney World's Paradise Island while resort is closed due to coronavirusRichard McGuire, 42, is said to have told police he was unaware that his camping out amid the 'tropical paradise' of the Disney island constituted trespassing.
Read more »
Take a virtual ride on Slinky Dog Dash at Walt Disney World
Read more »
Belt Out Your Favorite Disney Tunes With Celebs During ABC's Disney Family SingalongABC is hosting another special event called Disney Family Singalong: Volume II, where celebrities sing their favorite Disney songs, on May 10 at 7 p.m. ET.
Read more »
NBA In Talks With Disney World About Resuming Play At Florida ResortCould LeBron's first post-pandemic NBA assist come from Mickey Mouse?!
Read more »
Get The Family Ready Because The 'Disney Family Singalong' Volume II Is ComingGet The Family Ready Because The ‘Disney Family Singalong’ Volume II Is Coming
Read more »