A New Jersey man has been arrested after allegedly setting a fire inside a Maryland Walmart to distract staff while stealing jewelry worth about $10,000. Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, faces multiple charges including first-degree arson.
The incident took place on the night of April 29 at the Walmart Supercenter on East Pulaski Highway in Elkton, Maryland. Rhodes is accused of using camping fuel and fireworks to ignite a shopping cart in the children's clothing section, creating confusion that allowed him to grab multiple pieces of jewelry before fleeing on a motorcycle.