Authorities have arrested a Anthony J. Rhodes in connection with a dramatic Walmart fire and jewelry theft that unfolded in Elkton last month.

Investigators say the 36-year-old suspect allegedly used fireworks and camping fuel to create chaos inside the store before carrying out a jewelry heist worth nearly $10,000.

According to officials, the incident took place on the night of April 29 inside a Walmart store in Maryland. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a masked man entering the building carrying a backpack before loading a shopping cart with camping fuel containers and multiple boxes of fireworks.

Authorities claim the suspect pushed the cart into the children’s clothing section and intentionally set it on fire. As flames spread and fireworks began exploding throughout the area, customers and employees rushed to evacuate the building in panic.

During the confusion, investigators say the suspect smashed open a jewelry counter and stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.

Firefighters from the local Singerly Fire Company quickly responded and managed to contain the blaze. While direct fire damage was estimated at around $5,000, Walmart officials reportedly stated that smoke damage, soot contamination, and cleanup efforts resulted in approximately $10 million in inventory losses.

Rhodes was arrested Thursday in New Jersey without incident and is currently being held in Camden County while awaiting extradition to Maryland.

He now faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.

Investigators revealed that one of the key clues leading to Rhodes’ identification was a Jefferson University Baseball T-shirt allegedly worn during the robbery. Officials later confirmed that Rhodes had no affiliation with the university or its athletic programs.

The investigation involved cooperation between the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Walmart Global Investigations.

Officials praised the joint effort that led to the arrest, describing the investigation as a coordinated operation between local and federal authorities.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to the dangerous method allegedly used to carry out the theft, particularly inside a crowded retail store where customers and children were present.

Authorities continue investigating the incident as Rhodes prepares to face extradition and formal court proceedings in Maryland.