Authorities say a New Jersey man is charged after allegedly starting a fire inside a Maryland Walmart using camping fuel and fireworks as a diversion during a jewelry theft. Multiple outlets report the suspect was wearing a black face mask and is accused of sparking the fire in or near the store’s children’s section, creating what investigators describe as a distraction to draw attention away from security.
The alleged heist involves about $10,000 in jewelry, according to the reports. Police describe the suspect’s method as using the fire and fireworks to keep staff focused on the emergency while the theft took place. One outlet identifies the accused as Anthony J. Rhodes of Berlin, New Jersey, and says he was carrying items in a backpack.
The reporting is based on police statements and charging information. The articles do not provide details on whether the suspect entered with accomplices, how the jewelry was taken, or the outcome of any court proceedings. The allegations have not been independently verified in the articles.
