A New Jersey man is in custody after allegedly setting a fire at a Walmart Supercenter in Maryland to distract staff while stealing jewelry, authorities say.
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 incident occurred on the night of April 29 at Walmart on East Pulaski Highway in Elkton, Maryland, about 50 miles northeast of Baltimore.
The Fire and Theft
At around 7 p.m., the Singerly Fire Company and nearby fire departments responded to the blaze. Firefighters quickly controlled the fire, but the flames caused significant damage.
Authorities say Rhodes used the fire as a distraction to steal about $10,000 in merchandise from the jewelry counter. Walmart later estimated total damage, including inventory lost due to smoke, dust, and remediation, at nearly $10 million.
How Rhodes Was Identified
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing a white male wearing a backpack and a face mask entering the store. The man allegedly used camping fuel and fireworks to ignite a shopping cart near the children’s clothing section, creating chaos as patrons and staff evacuated.
Rhodes was later seen fleeing the store on a motorcycle with stolen jewelry. Authorities also noted the man wore a Jefferson University baseball t-shirt, which helped identify Rhodes despite him having no known connection to the university.
“Working side-by-side with our ATF partners and Walmart Global Investigations, our team was able to identify a suspect quickly,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. “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.”
Arrest and Detention
Rhodes was arrested on Thursday by Berlin Township police in his hometown on an outstanding warrant. He is currently held at the Camden County Correctional Facility in New Jersey, pending extradition to Cecil County, Maryland.
