Masked man set fire at Walmart using camping fuel and fireworks in children's clothing section to distract from massive jewelry heist, authorities say – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Elkton, Maryland – A New Jersey man deliberately set a fire inside a Walmart Supercenter to create chaos and cover his theft of thousands of dollars in jewelry, authorities said. The blaze, started with camping fuel and fireworks in the children’s clothing section, forced customers and employees to evacuate while the suspect grabbed merchandise from the jewelry counter. Investigators later traced the crime to Anthony J. Rhodes through a distinctive baseball shirt he wore during the April 29 incident.
The Fire That Drew Everyone’s Attention
Shortly after 7 p.m., firefighters from the Singerly Fire Company and neighboring departments responded to the Walmart on East Pulaski Highway. Rhodes had placed a shopping cart filled with camping fuel and multiple boxes of fireworks next to racks of children’s clothing. Once ignited, the flames spread quickly and the fireworks began to explode, adding to the confusion and noise inside the store.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze within minutes, yet the damage extended far beyond the initial flames. Direct fire loss was estimated at $5,000, but smoke, soot, and the extensive cleanup that followed pushed total losses close to $10 million, according to Walmart. Shoppers and staff fled the building as the situation escalated, giving Rhodes the window he needed.
A Calculated Jewelry Theft Amid the Panic
While the store emptied, Rhodes moved to the jewelry counter and took multiple pieces valued at roughly $10,000. Surveillance video captured him entering the store earlier wearing a mask and carrying a backpack. The same footage showed him leaving on a motorcycle after the theft, still masked and moving quickly through the parking lot.
Authorities described the fire as a deliberate distraction rather than an accident. The combination of fuel and fireworks created both visual chaos and loud distractions that drew attention away from the jewelry area. Rhodes reportedly made his escape before firefighters had fully contained the scene.
The Baseball Shirt That Solved the Case
Investigators noticed a key detail in the video: the suspect wore a Jefferson University baseball t-shirt. That logo stood out clearly on the footage and became the lead that identified Rhodes. Police confirmed he had no affiliation with the university or its athletic program, making the shirt an unusual but effective clue.
Working with federal partners and Walmart’s own investigators, authorities quickly linked the shirt, the mask, and the motorcycle to Rhodes. The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal credited the rapid identification to close cooperation across agencies. Within weeks, an arrest warrant was issued for the 36-year-old.
Arrest and Pending Extradition
Berlin Township police in New Jersey took Rhodes into custody on the warrant earlier this month. He is now held at the Camden County Correctional Facility while Maryland authorities seek his extradition to Cecil County. Rhodes faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray highlighted the teamwork that closed the case. “Working side-by-side with our ATF partners and Walmart Global Investigations, our team was able to identify a suspect quickly,” Mowbray said. “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.”
The episode underscores how small details can unravel even carefully planned crimes. Rhodes now awaits transfer to Maryland, where prosecutors will present evidence of the fire, the theft, and the distinctive shirt that ultimately led police to his door.