Elkton, MD — A suspect set a fire inside a Walmart Supercenter in Cecil County to divert attention while stealing jewelry, prompting an evacuation of customers and employees and a multi-agency investigation, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. The incident unfolded just after 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the store on East Pulaski Highway.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, limiting damage and preventing injuries, but investigators say the fire was intentionally set as part of a coordinated theft.
Fire used as distraction during evacuation
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the suspect ignited a shelf of boys’ clothing using camp fuel and fireworks taken from inside the store. The fire did not grow large enough to trigger the building’s sprinkler system, allowing it to burn briefly before being contained.
As alarms sounded and people evacuated, the suspect forced entry into the store’s jewelry counter and stole a small amount of merchandise…