A New Jersey man is in custody after allegedly setting fire to a Walmart in Maryland as a distraction to steal jewelry, authorities reported. The incident highlights the coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies across state lines to solve complex crimes.
Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. The charges stem from an incident at the Walmart Supercenter located on East Pulaski Highway in Elkton, Maryland, roughly 50 miles northeast of Baltimore.
The Arson and Theft Incident
The event occurred on the evening of April 29. Around 7 p.m., the Singerly Fire Company, along with several surrounding fire departments, responded to a blaze inside the store. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, but significant damage had already occurred.
Authorities reported that Rhodes used the fire as a diversion to steal merchandise from the jewelry counter. Early estimates placed direct fire damage at $5,000, but the total inventory and store damage—including smoke, dust, soot, and remediation costs—reached nearly $10 million, according to Walmart. Rhodes reportedly made off with approximately $10,000 worth of jewelry.
Evidence and Surveillance Footage
Investigators reviewed store surveillance footage, which showed a white male wearing a mask and backpack entering the Walmart. According to Delaware-based First State Media, the suspect used a can of camping fuel and fireworks to ignite a shopping cart near the children’s clothing section. The fireworks intensified the flames, creating chaos and confusion among shoppers and staff.
While customers and employees evacuated, the man allegedly stole multiple pieces of jewelry. He then fled the scene on a motorcycle. Authorities identified him as wearing a Jefferson University baseball t-shirt, which ultimately helped pinpoint him as Anthony J. Rhodes—despite having no known connection to the university.
Investigation and Arrest
The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal worked closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Walmart Global Investigations to track down the suspect.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray praised the collaboration, stating, “Investigations such as these require an all-hands approach, and I am proud of everyone who was able to bring this case to a close.”
Rhodes was arrested on Thursday by Berlin Township police in his hometown under an arrest warrant issued earlier in May. As of Friday, he remained in the Camden County, New Jersey Correctional Facility pending extradition to Cecil County, Maryland.
Impact of the Fire
The Walmart fire caused extensive disruption. While direct damage from the flames was initially estimated at $5,000, the subsequent losses due to smoke and soot contamination, inventory destruction, and necessary remediation totaled nearly $10 million. This underscores the potentially catastrophic impact of arson, even when fires are small and quickly controlled.
Authorities emphasized that the combination of deliberate arson with theft demonstrates the dangers posed by premeditated criminal acts targeting commercial establishments.
Summary Table of Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Anthony J. Rhodes, 36 |
| Location | Walmart Supercenter, East Pulaski Highway, Elkton, MD |
| Date & Time | April 29, ~7 p.m. |
| Charges | First-degree arson, manufacturing explosive device, theft |
| Stolen Merchandise | ~$10,000 worth of jewelry |
| Estimated Damage | ~$10 million (inventory + remediation) |
| Method | Fire using camping fuel and fireworks, theft during evacuation |
| Arrest | Berlin Township police, NJ; held in Camden County Correctional Facility |
The Walmart arson and jewelry theft in Elkton, Maryland, illustrates how quickly coordinated criminal acts can escalate and cause major financial damage. Through collaboration between state and federal agencies, authorities were able to quickly identify and apprehend the suspect. This case highlights the importance of surveillance, cross-agency cooperation, and public safety measures in preventing and responding to similar incidents.
