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The sight of a patrol officer inside Walt Disney World Resort might typically signal reassurance. But for guests on Tuesday, the presence of law enforcement marked something far more unsettling.
Tucked inside the sprawling, family-friendly grounds of Florida’s famed vacation destination, a scene unfolded that stood in sharp contrast to the park’s manufactured serenity. The arrest, carried out without incident, underscored a truth parkgoers have come to learn over the years: even “The Most Magical Place on Earth” isn’t immune to very real-world chaos.
Credit: Disney
It wasn’t the first time headlines have emerged from within Disney’s gates that read more like a police blotter than a park brochure. Guests have been arrested for smuggling drugs, throwing punches, or—infamously—scaling international landmarks after a few too many drinks. But this week’s incident involved a very different kind of breach.
Officer Arrested in Connection With Mississippi Kidnapping
On June 3, a 22-year-old police officer from Alabama was arrested at Disney World in Orange County, Florida, after authorities learned he had an active kidnapping warrant in Harrison County, Mississippi. The officer, David Cunningham, had been employed by the Prichard Police Department at the time of his arrest (via FOX 10).
According to investigators, the events trace back to May 24, when Harrison County deputies responded to a shots-fired call at a residence on Audubon Lakes Boulevard. A dog had been struck by recreational gunfire during a party. The individual responsible reportedly left the scene in the backseat of a Prichard Police vehicle.
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Deputies intercepted the patrol unit nearby. Cunningham was behind the wheel, with Kristen Allen in the front passenger seat. In the backseat, they found a 21-year-old man in handcuffs. Cunningham was carrying his Prichard Police badge and service weapon. The man was subsequently released.
Investigators later determined that Cunningham had responded to a call from the party, arrived in his marked patrol vehicle, handcuffed the man who had been arguing with the homeowner, and left the scene with him. That decision led to a kidnapping warrant being issued.
Allen, who was in the vehicle, now faces a warrant for hindering prosecution. She allegedly assisted Cunningham by providing multiple versions of events to justify the man’s detention. Allen turned herself in on June 2, according to Harrison County deputies.
Credit: Disney
Cunningham had previously served as a Mobile Police officer before resigning in February while under administrative investigation. He was later hired by the Prichard Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Latest in a String of Arrests At Disney World
Disney’s reputation for security and cheerful escapism is well-earned. But with millions of annual visitors, incidents occasionally break through the illusion.
Earlier in 2025, a man was arrested on two third-degree felony charges—child abuse and battery by strangulation—after allegedly choking his girlfriend’s daughter in their hotel room.
Credit: Christian Lambert, Unsplash
Another guest was taken into custody after allegedly causing significant damage to Disney World property while under the influence of alcohol and breaking a merchandise kiosk.
In a separate case, a Florida man was caught trying to bring cocaine into Magic Kingdom Park. After being pulled aside for additional screening, a cast member noticed the bulk of his wallet and asked him to open it, revealing the stash inside.
As of now, Disney has not issued a public statement regarding Cunningham’s arrest.
Have you ever witnessed an arrest at Disney World?
