CECIL COUNTY, Md. – Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect accused of setting a fire inside a Walmart Supercenter in Elkton.
The incident was reported shortly after 7 p.m. on April 29 at the store located along East Pulaski Highway. Emergency calls prompted a rapid evacuation of employees and customers as fire crews responded to the scene.
Firefighters with the Singerly Fire Company, assisted by surrounding departments, brought the fire under control within minutes. Authorities reported that the building’s sprinkler system did not activate because the fire did not reach the temperature threshold required to trigger the system.
According to investigators, the fire was intentionally set and is believed to have been used as a diversion. Officials allege the suspect utilized camp fuel and fireworks obtained inside the store to ignite a shelf of boys’ clothing. During the evacuation, the individual allegedly forced entry into a jewelry display and removed a quantity of merchandise before leaving the scene.
Damage from the incident is estimated at approximately $5,000.
The suspect is described as a white male in his early 20s, last seen wearing a Jefferson University baseball shirt, a mask, and a Walmart-style vest. Investigators say he fled the area on a motorcycle that did not display a license plate.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-386-3050.
