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New Jersey Man Charged After Allegedly Using Fireworks and Fuel to Stage Walmart Jewelry Theft

Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/new-jersey-man-charged-after-allegedly-using-fireworks-and-fuel-to-stage-walmart-jewelry-theft/

Masked NJ suspect charged with using fuel, fireworks in Walmart kids section as cover for massive jewelry heist

Masked NJ suspect charged with using fuel, fireworks in Walmart kids section as cover for massive jewelry heist – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)

Maryland authorities have arrested a New Jersey resident in connection with a calculated theft at a Walmart store. The suspect is accused of deliberately starting a fire in the children’s section to create panic and cover his escape with roughly $10,000 in jewelry. The incident unfolded on a recent Thursday and has drawn attention for its unusual method of distraction.

The Reported Sequence of Events

According to investigators, the man entered the store and moved quickly to the toy and children’s apparel area. He is said to have poured camping fuel on the floor and ignited fireworks, producing sudden flames and loud explosions. Shoppers and staff reportedly fled the immediate area, allowing the suspect time to reach the jewelry counter and remove items before leaving the building.

The combination of fire and pyrotechnics created immediate chaos inside the store. Emergency responders arrived to extinguish the blaze, which remained contained to a small section. No injuries were reported, though the store sustained damage that required temporary closure of parts of the sales floor.

Identification and Arrest of the Suspect

Police identified Anthony Rhodes as the individual responsible after reviewing surveillance footage and tracing his movements. Rhodes, who traveled from New Jersey, was taken…

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Author : Matthias Binder

Publish date : 2026-05-17 07:35:00

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