Man Sets Fire to Walmart’s Children Section to Distract from Jewelry Heist

A New Jersey man is accused of pulling off a brazen scheme straight out of a movie after allegedly setting fire to a Walmart store in Maryland to distract employees while he robbed the jewelry department.

Authorities say 36-year-old Anthony Rhodes has now been arrested and is awaiting extradition to Maryland following the chaotic incident at a Walmart in Elkton.

According to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, the shocking crime unfolded around 7 p.m. on April 29 at the Walmart located on East Pulaski Highway in Elkton.

Investigators say Rhodes allegedly started a fire inside the store by igniting a shelf full of boys’ clothing using camp fuel and fireworks.

But officials believe the blaze was only part of a much bigger plan.

Authorities claim the fire was intentionally set as a diversion so the suspect could break into the store’s jewelry counter and steal nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise while customers and employees scrambled to evacuate.

As smoke filled the building, shoppers and workers were rushed outside while firefighters raced to contain the flames.

The Singerly Fire Company and neighboring departments reportedly managed to extinguish the fire within minutes.

Even though the store had fire sprinklers installed, investigators said they never activated because the flames did not reach the necessary temperature threshold.

While the actual fire caused an estimated $5,000 in damage, Walmart reportedly suffered a staggering $10 million inventory loss because of smoke and soot contamination throughout the store.

Investigators initially launched a public search for the suspect, describing him as a white male wearing a Jefferson University Baseball shirt, a mask, and a Walmart-style vest.

Authorities said the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle that did not have a license plate.

Officials later clarified Rhodes had no actual connection to Jefferson University or its baseball team.

After a joint investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Walmart Global Investigations, and local authorities, Rhodes was eventually identified and arrested without incident in New Jersey.

He is now facing charges including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.

“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 following 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.”