Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, was arrested for allegedly setting a fire at a Walmart in Elkton, Maryland, as a distraction while stealing $10,000 worth of merchandise from the jewelry counter.
Details of the Incident
The fire occurred on April 29 around 7 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter on East Pulaski Highway. Firefighters from Singerly Fire Company and surrounding departments quickly extinguished the blaze, but smoke, dust, and damage led to nearly $10 million in total losses, including inventory and remediation costs.
How the Fire Was Set
Authorities said Rhodes used camping fuel and fireworks to ignite a shopping cart near the children’s clothing section, creating a high-temperature diversion. Video footage shows him stealing jewelry and fleeing the store on a motorcycle.
Identification and Arrest
Rhodes was identified in part due to a Jefferson University baseball t-shirt he wore during the crime, despite having no connection to the university. He was arrested by Berlin Township police in New Jersey and detained in Camden County pending extradition to Maryland.
Charges
Rhodes faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device. Authorities credited cooperation between ATF, Walmart Global Investigations, and local law enforcement for the swift resolution of the case.
