Suspect Sets Fire Inside Walmart to Steal From Jewelry Counter; State Fire Marshal Asks for Public's Help

State of MD - A Wednesday evening shopping trip turned into an emergency evacuation for customers and employees at the Elkton Walmart Supercenter after someone intentionally set a fire inside the store.

Now, investigators are asking the public to help identify the person responsible.

Just after 7:00 p.m. on April 29, 2026, 911 callers reported a fire at the Walmart located at 1000 E. Pulaski Highway in Elkton, Maryland. Everyone inside the store evacuated quickly as firefighters from the Singerly Fire Company and surrounding departments rushed to the scene.

The store had fire sprinklers in place, but they never went off. Investigators explained that the fire did not reach the temperature required to properly activate them.

After looking into the incident, Deputy State Fire Marshals determined this was no accident.

The suspect used camp fuel and fireworks taken from the store to set a shelf of boys' clothing on fire. The fire was set as a diversion.

While everyone was focused on getting out of the store safely, the suspect made his move. He forced his way into the jewelry counter and stole a small amount of merchandise before slipping out.

The suspect is described as a white male in his early 20s. He was wearing a Jefferson University Baseball shirt, a mask, and a Walmart-style vest. He fled the scene on a motorcycle with no license plate.

Total damages from the fire and theft are estimated at $5,000. This includes damage to the clothing and surrounding merchandise, as well as what was taken from the jewelry counter.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is asking anyone who recognizes this person or has any information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling the State Fire Marshal's office at 410-386-3050.

If you were at the Elkton Walmart that evening or know someone who fits this description, your tip could make a difference. Investigators are counting on the community to help bring this case to a close.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.