Walmart Arson: Shopper Diverts Attention From Jewelry Heist, Sets Fire To Shopping Cart In Kids Section

A Walmart store in Maryland reported an arson incident when a masked shopper allegedly tried to divert attention from his jewelry heist, according to authorities. The suspect started the fire moments before he carried out his elaborate plan. Surveillance camera footage showed that the man walked into the store wearing a mask and carrying a backpack.

The suspect set the fire in the kids’ section of the departmental store, risking the lives of other shoppers, including minors present. Authorities reported no injuries, though the fire caused an estimated $5,000 in structural damage to the store.

On April 29, Anthony J. Rhodes of New Jersey stole $10,000 worth of jewelry from the Walmart store and fled the crime scene on his motorbike, according to the investigators. Authorities said the 36-year-old started a fire to divert attention from the theft.

Security footage allegedly showed Rhodes loading a shopping cart with boxes of fireworks and camping fuel near the children’s section of the store. Investigators said he then set the cart on fire, causing multiple fireworks to explode inside the building.

As employees and customers rushed toward the exits during the chaos, Rhodes allegedly smashed a jewelry display case and stole merchandise before fleeing the scene on his motorcycle.

The Singerly Fire Company and other firefighting departments in the area received an alert about the arson at 7 p.m. at the Walmart store. Within minutes, these firefighters were on the scene and controlled the flames and restored order within the vicinity and the store.

An investigation for the suspect was promptly launched by the office of the State Fire Marshal. It was from their efforts that Rhodes was identified as the culprit from the security camera footage at the Walmart store.

On May 15, the Maryland State Fire Marshal confirmed the arrest of the fire suspect almost a month after the incident. He was taken into custody without any incident in New Jersey. Rhodes was slammed with multiple arson-related charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.

He is currently being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility in New Jersey. Rhodes' extradition to Maryland is still pending.

The official statement by the police department read, “Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, was arrested without incident yesterday by Berlin Township Police Department after an arrest warrant was issued for him earlier this month following his identification as the suspect by Deputy State Fire Marshals. Rhodes was charged with numerous arson and explosive-related charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device. Rhodes is being held in Camden County (N.J.) Correctional Facility pending extradition to Maryland.”

Moreover, the Acting State Fire Marshal confirmed the correct identification of the suspect. He also commended the brilliance of the departments that worked together. Jason M.Mowbray stated, “Working side-by-side with our ATF partners and Walmart Global Investigations, our team was able to identify a suspect quickly. 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.”