A New Jersey man has been arrested after authorities say he intentionally started a fire inside a Maryland Walmart to distract employees and customers while stealing jewelry from the store.
Investigators allege the suspect used camping fuel and fireworks to ignite a blaze near the children’s clothing section before carrying out the theft. The incident caused significant property and inventory damage, according to officials.
Arrest
Authorities identified the suspect as 36-year-old Anthony J. Rhodes of New Jersey. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Rhodes was arrested Thursday by police in Berlin Township, New Jersey, after Maryland authorities issued a warrant earlier this month.
As of Friday, he remained in custody at the Camden County Correctional Facility awaiting extradition to Cecil County, Maryland.
Incident
The fire happened on April 29 at the Walmart Supercenter located on East Pulaski Highway in Elkton, Maryland, a town about 50 miles northeast of Baltimore.
According to investigators, emergency crews responded to the store around 7 p.m. after receiving reports of a fire inside the building. Firefighters from the Singerly Fire Company and nearby departments quickly brought the flames under control within minutes.
Although the fire was extinguished rapidly, officials said the damage extended far beyond the area where the blaze started.
Investigation
Authorities said surveillance footage showed a masked man entering the Walmart carrying a backpack. Investigators later alleged that the man used a can of camping fuel along with several boxes of fireworks to set a shopping cart on fire near the children’s clothing section.
Officials said the fireworks intensified the flames and created confusion inside the store as customers and employees evacuated the building.
During the evacuation, authorities allege the suspect stole multiple pieces of jewelry from the store’s jewelry counter.
Investigators estimated the stolen merchandise was worth approximately $10,000.
Surveillance footage also reportedly showed the suspect leaving the store and fleeing on a motorcycle shortly after the incident.
Damage
While the direct fire damage was initially estimated at about $5,000, Walmart later reported much larger losses connected to smoke, soot, dust, and cleanup efforts throughout the store.
According to authorities, the overall inventory and remediation losses totaled nearly $10 million.
Officials did not specify how long the store operations were affected following the fire.
Evidence
Investigators said a key detail in the case involved clothing worn by the suspect during the incident.
Authorities noticed the man captured on surveillance video was wearing a Jefferson University baseball t-shirt. Law enforcement later used that information during the identification process that ultimately led to Rhodes’ arrest.
Officials stated that Rhodes has no known connection to Jefferson University or its baseball program.
The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Walmart Global Investigations.
“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 said in a statement.
He added that investigations involving arson and large-scale property damage often require coordination among several agencies.
Charges
Authorities said Rhodes faces a range of criminal charges tied to the fire and alleged theft operation.
The charges include:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| First-degree arson | Allegedly setting the store fire |
| Manufacturing an explosive device | Related to the fireworks used |
| Theft-related offenses | Connected to stolen jewelry |
| Additional pending charges | Under review by investigators |
Court records related to the case have not yet indicated whether Rhodes has entered a plea or obtained legal representation.
Under U.S. law, criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Ongoing Case
Officials in Maryland and New Jersey continue coordinating on the case as extradition proceedings move forward.
Investigators have not said whether additional suspects may have been involved or whether more charges could be filed later.
The case remains under active investigation.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the Walmart fire case?
Authorities arrested Anthony J. Rhodes, 36.
Where did the Walmart fire happen?
The fire occurred in Elkton, Maryland.
What allegedly caused the fire?
Camping fuel and fireworks were reportedly used.
How much damage was reported?
Walmart estimated losses near $10 million.
What was allegedly stolen?
Authorities say jewelry worth about $10,000 was taken.
