A man from New Jersey found himself under arrest on Thursday after allegedly igniting a significant fire using camping fuel and fireworks within a Walmart located in Maryland. This dramatic act was reportedly a diversion aimed at facilitating a $10,000 jewelry theft.
Authorities apprehended 36-year-old Anthony J. Rhodes from Berlin, New Jersey, without any issues. Currently detained in a Camden County jail, he is awaiting extradition to Maryland where he faces charges of first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.
The incident, described as chaotic, took place on the evening of April 29 at an Elkton store, as reported by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
According to officials, security footage captured a masked individual entering the store with a backpack. The suspect was seen filling a shopping cart with camping fuel and several boxes of fireworks. He then positioned the cart near the children’s clothing area and set it on fire.
The fire erupted inside the Maryland Walmart store, close to the boys’ clothing section. (Image courtesy of the Maryland State Fire Marshal via Facebook)
As the fire grew and fireworks began exploding inside the store, customers and staff scrambled for the exits.
Authorities said the suspect then smashed into the store’s jewelry counter, stealing nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise before walking out and fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
While firefighters from the Singerly Fire Company quickly extinguished the flames and contained direct fire damage to around $5,000, Walmart said the smoke, soot and subsequent cleanup resulted in $10 million in lost inventory.
Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, N.J., is facing multiple charges after allegedly lighting a fire inside of a Maryland Walmart store. (Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal via Facebook)
Officials said Rhodes was wearing a Jefferson University Baseball T-shirt during the heist, which investigators used to track him down.
Rhodes did not have a connection to the university or its sports teams, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Walmart Global Investigations assisted with the investigation.
The suspect was captured by security cameras and later identified as Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, according to authorities. (Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal via Facebook)
“Working side-by-side with our ATF partners and Walmart Global Investigations, our team was able to identify a suspect quickly,” acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray wrote in a statement after the arrest. “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.”
A Walmart spokesperson told Fox News Digital the company “appreciate[s] the partnership with law enforcement and their swift action in this investigation.”