A shocking incident at a Walmart store in Maryland has led to the arrest of a New Jersey man who allegedly started a fire inside the store to distract people while stealing expensive jewelry.
The case has grabbed attention because of the huge financial damage caused and the unusual method used during the crime. Officials say the accused used fireworks and camping fuel to create panic before escaping from the store on a motorcycle.
Man Accused of Starting Walmart Fire During Jewelry Theft
Police identified the accused as Anthony J. Rhodes, a 36-year-old man from New Jersey. According to investigators, Rhodes entered the Walmart Supercenter in Elkton, Maryland, on April 29 while wearing a backpack, face mask, and a Jefferson University baseball T-shirt.
Authorities say he planned the entire incident carefully. He allegedly used camping fuel and fireworks to start a fire near the children’s clothing section inside the store. As the flames grew, fireworks exploded, creating confusion among shoppers and employees.
During the chaos, Rhodes reportedly went to the jewelry section and stole items worth nearly $10,000.
Firefighters Quickly Controlled the Blaze
The fire started around 7 p.m., and several fire departments, including the Singerly Fire Company, rushed to the scene. Firefighters managed to control the flames within minutes, but the damage was already serious.
Initial reports estimated direct fire damage at around $5,000. However, Walmart later stated that smoke, soot, dust, and cleanup efforts caused almost $10 million in total losses.
The store also suffered major disruptions because of the incident, affecting inventory and operations.
How Investigators Identified the Suspect
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from inside the Walmart store. The video reportedly showed a white man carrying a backpack and wearing a mask.
Police said the suspect was later seen leaving the store on a motorcycle after stealing jewelry items.
One important clue helped officers identify Rhodes. He was seen wearing a Jefferson University baseball T-shirt. Investigators tracked the shirt and eventually connected Rhodes to the case, even though authorities confirmed he has no official link to Jefferson University or its baseball team.
Serious Charges Filed Against Anthony Rhodes
Rhodes is now facing several serious criminal charges. These include:
- First-degree arson
- Manufacturing an explosive device
- Theft charges
- Other related offenses
Law enforcement agencies from Maryland and New Jersey worked together during the investigation.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray praised the teamwork between investigators, ATF officials, and Walmart Global Investigations. He stated that cooperation between agencies helped solve the case quickly.
Suspect Arrested in New Jersey
Authorities arrested Rhodes in Berlin Township, New Jersey, on Thursday. He was taken into custody based on an arrest warrant issued earlier this month.
As of Friday, Rhodes remained in the Camden County Correctional Facility while waiting for extradition to Cecil County, Maryland, where he will face charges connected to the Walmart fire and theft case.
