A man accused of setting a fire inside the Elkton Walmart last month has been returned to Maryland after his arrest in New Jersey earlier this month.
Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, was extradited to Maryland on Tuesday after being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility. Court records indicate he is being held without bond.
Rhodes faces a lengthy list of charges stemming from the April 29 incident, including first- and second-degree arson, malicious burning, reckless endangerment, theft, disorderly conduct, malicious destruction of property, and multiple explosive-related offenses.
The fire was reported shortly before 7 p.m. at the Walmart located at 1100 E. Pulaski Highway in Elkton. Crews from Singerly Fire Company and neighboring departments responded and brought the blaze under control within minutes before the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal launched an investigation.
According to investigators, surveillance footage captured a masked man entering the store carrying a backpack. Authorities allege the suspect used a can of camping fuel and several boxes of fireworks to start a fire inside a shopping cart positioned near the children’s clothing department.
As flames spread and fireworks began exploding inside the store, customers and employees evacuated the building. Investigators allege the suspect then forced entry into a jewelry counter, stole merchandise, and fled the scene on a motorcycle.
While direct fire damage was initially estimated at about $5,000, officials said the broader financial impact was far greater. Walmart reported nearly $10 million in losses tied to smoke and soot contamination, damaged inventory, and cleanup and remediation expenses.
A bail review hearing is scheduled for May 28 in Cecil County District Court, with a preliminary hearing set for June 24.
The investigation involved the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Walmart Global Investigations, and multiple law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.
