Masked Man Sets Maryland Walmart on Fire with Fireworks

Shoppers at a Maryland Walmart were sent running for their lives after a masked suspect allegedly used fireworks and camping fuel to spark a terrifying blaze inside the store — all as part of a brazen jewelry heist that investigators say caused a staggering $10 million in losses.

Authorities say 36-year-old Anthony J. Rhodes of New Jersey was arrested Thursday after investigators linked him to the wild April 29 incident at a Walmart in Elkton, Maryland. Rhodes is now sitting in a New Jersey jail awaiting extradition while facing serious charges including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.

According to investigators, the suspect walked into the store wearing a mask and carrying a backpack before calmly filling a shopping cart with camping fuel and multiple boxes of fireworks. Surveillance footage allegedly showed him pushing the cart directly into the children’s clothing section before setting it on fire.

Within moments, flames erupted and fireworks began exploding inside the store, creating panic as terrified shoppers and employees rushed toward exits while smoke filled the building.

But investigators say the fire wasn’t random.

Authorities believe the chaos was carefully planned to distract everyone while the suspect smashed open the jewelry counter and stole nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise before escaping on a motorcycle.

Firefighters managed to contain the direct fire damage relatively quickly, estimating the flames caused around $5,000 in physical destruction. But Walmart says the real devastation came afterward.

Smoke, soot and extensive cleanup efforts reportedly contaminated merchandise throughout the store, leading to an estimated $10 million in lost inventory.

Investigators eventually tracked down Rhodes using surveillance footage and a major clue left behind during the alleged crime — a Jefferson University Baseball T-shirt he was seen wearing during the heist.

Officials later confirmed Rhodes had no connection to the university or its baseball program.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Walmart Global Investigations.

“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 following the arrest. “Investigations such as these require an all-hands approach.”

Walmart also praised law enforcement for moving quickly to make an arrest after the shocking incident rocked the community.

The case is now moving toward extradition and prosecution as investigators continue piecing together the full timeline behind the explosive heist.