A man from New Jersey found himself in handcuffs on Thursday after allegedly igniting a large blaze at a Maryland Walmart using camping fuel and fireworks. This fiery distraction was reportedly part of an elaborate plan to execute a $10,000 jewelry heist.
Authorities identified the suspect as 36-year-old Anthony J. Rhodes from Berlin, New Jersey. Police apprehended Rhodes without any resistance, and he is presently held in a Camden County jail, awaiting his transfer to Maryland. He faces serious charges, including first-degree arson and the creation of an explosive device.
The incident erupted on the evening of April 29 at a Walmart located in Elkton, according to statements from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The chaotic scene was captured on security cameras, revealing a masked individual entering the store with a backpack. The footage shows the person filling a grocery cart with camping fuel and several boxes of fireworks before wheeling it to the children’s clothing section and setting it on fire.
The blaze rapidly intensified, and the fireworks began to explode, creating a scene of panic as customers and employees rushed to evacuate the store. The fire’s location near the boy’s clothing section added to the urgency and chaos of the situation.
The event underscores the potential dangers and disruptions caused by such reckless acts, as well as the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
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.”
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