Jewelry Heist at Walmart Involves Explosives as Distraction

A New Jersey man is accused of using a dramatic ruse to steal $10,000 worth of jewelry from a Walmart in Maryland, employing fireworks and camping fuel as part of his plan to divert security.

Anthony J. Rose, 36, from Berlin, New Jersey, was arrested Thursday and is currently being held in Camden County Jail, awaiting extradition to Maryland.

He faces charges that include first-degree arson and the manufacture of explosives.

Details about the incident, which occurred on April 29 in Elkton—a small town located roughly 50 miles northeast of Baltimore—were shared recently by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Security footage captured a masked individual entering the store with a backpack and a cart filled with camping fuel and boxes of fireworks.

He placed the cart near a children’s clothing section and ignited it, resulting in an explosion that sent shoppers fleeing in panic.

Taking advantage of the chaos, the suspect accessed the jewelry counter, stole the merchandise, and escaped on a motorcycle.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, with direct fire damage estimated at around $5,000. Meanwhile, Walmart reported losses totaling $10 million due to smoke and soot damage.

At the time of the theft, Rose was seen wearing a Jefferson University baseball T-shirt, despite having no known ties to the university, which ultimately helped law enforcement track him down.

The investigation involved the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Walmart Global Investigations.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray expressed pride in the joint efforts that led to the arrest, noting the importance of teamwork in such complex cases.

As of now, authorities have not disclosed any information regarding Rose’s background, prior criminal record, or any military experience.