New Jersey Man Allegedly Ignites Fireworks as Diversion in Jewelry Heist

In a scene typical of a cinematic military or intelligence tactic, a New Jersey man allegedly ignited an unnerving diversion with camping fuel and fireworks in a Maryland Walmart in order to distract security in order to steal $10,000 in jewelry.

Anthony J. Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, was arrested by local police Thursday and is currently sitting in a Camden County jail awaiting extradition to Maryland, according to the New York Post and other news outlets.

He faces charges first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.

Details of the April 29 scene that unfolded at the discount chain store in Elkton, a town of about 15,000 about 50 miles northeast of Baltimore, came to light Friday from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Store security footage showed a man wearing a mask entering the store. He had a backpack and a grocery cart loaded with camping