A New Jersey man has been arrested and charged with allegedly starting a fire inside a Maryland Walmart to create a diversion while stealing jewelry worth approximately $10,000, according to police.

The suspect allegedly used camping fuel and fireworks to spark the fire in the children's section of the store. Authorities said the man was wearing a mask during the incident, which occurred Thursday.

Police described the fire as "massive" and said it was intentionally set to distract store employees and customers while the suspect carried out the jewelry theft. The incident created what investigators called a "terrifying diversion" for those inside the store.

The suspect was taken into custody Thursday following the incident. Police have not released details about how the man was identified or apprehended, nor have they provided information about potential injuries or the extent of damage to the store.

The case highlights the lengths some individuals will go to in order to commit retail theft, with investigators noting the elaborate nature of the alleged scheme involving multiple elements including accelerants and explosive devices.