A fire set inside a Maryland Walmart is now at the center of a multi-state criminal case, where investigators say flames and fireworks were used to clear aisles and create chaos for a targeted theft. The suspect, identified as a 36-year-old New Jersey man, is accused of igniting a blaze in a children’s section before making off with thousands of dollars in jewelry.
ELKTON, MD – Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of New Jersey, has been charged with multiple offenses including first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device after authorities say he deliberately set a fire inside a Walmart Supercenter on East Pulaski Highway on the night of April 29. Investigators allege the fire was used as a diversion to facilitate a theft from the store’s jewelry counter.
Emergency crews responded around 7 p.m. after reports of a fire inside the store. The Singerly Fire Company and assisting departments extinguished the flames within minutes, but not before damage spread beyond the point of origin…