Man allegedly set fire inside Maryland Walmart to steal $10,000 in jewelry
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A New Jersey man was arrested Thursday for allegedly starting a massive fire with camping fuel and fireworks at a Maryland Walmart, creating a terrifying diversion for a $10,000 jewelry heist.
Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, was taken into custody without incident by local police and is currently in the Camden County jail awaiting extradition to Maryland. His charges include first-degree arson and production of explosives.
The chaotic scene unfolded at a store in Elkton on the night of April 29, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Authorities said security footage showed a masked man entering the store with a backpack and loading a grocery cart with camping fuel and several boxes of fireworks. The suspect then parked the shopping cart next to the children’s clothing section and set it on fire.
A sparking fire was seen near the child’s clothing section at a Maryland Walmart store. (Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office via Facebook)
BRAZEN BLUE STATE JEWELRY STORE ROBBERY WAS CAUGHT ON CAMERA WHEN ARMED MOBI LEFT WITH 1 MILLION DOLLARS OF PRODUCTS: POLICE
As the fire grew larger and fireworks began exploding inside the store, customers and staff rushed for the exits.
Authorities said the suspect then crashed into the store’s jewelry counter, stole approximately $10,000 worth of merchandise, and then fled the scene on a motorcycle.
While firefighters from Singerly Fire Company quickly extinguished the flames and contained about $5,000 in direct fire damage, Walmart said the smoke, soot and subsequent cleanup resulted in $10 million in inventory losses.
Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, N.J., faces multiple charges after allegedly lighting a fire at a Maryland Walmart store. (Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office via Facebook)
2 more firebugs charged as LA’S NEW CRIME DAI escalates fight against looters, arsonists
Rhodes was wearing a Jefferson University Baseball T-shirt during the robbery, which investigators used to track him down, authorities said.
Rhodes had no affiliation with the university or its sports teams, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Walmart Global Investigations assisted in the investigation.
The suspect was captured by security cameras and later identified as Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, according to authorities. (Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office via Facebook)
“Working side by side with our ATF partners and Walmart Global Investigations, our team was able to quickly identify a suspect,” Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray wrote in a statement following the arrest. “Investigations like this require a multi-pronged approach, and I am proud of everyone who managed to bring this case to closure.”
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
A Walmart spokesperson told Fox News Digital the company “appreciates”[s] partnership with law enforcement and their swift action in this investigation.”
