Residents of Bellis, Alberta, are grieving the loss of the All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a historic building that stood for over a century. The church was destroyed in a fire linked to a recent crime spree involving vehicle theft and arson.

On September 21, Smoky Lake RCMP responded to reports of two stolen vehicles. When officers located the vehicles and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspects fled. A tire deflation device was deployed on one vehicle, which subsequently collided with a police car. One suspect inside the vehicle attempted to use bear mace against the officers. Three suspects, including a minor, fled on foot but were later apprehended with assistance from police dogs and aerial support. One suspect remains at large, while the second stolen vehicle and its occupants have not been found.

Shortly after the vehicle incidents, police received reports of a fire at the All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The blaze ultimately consumed the building. According to the RCMP, an assessment by Firestorm emergency services indicated that an accelerant was likely used to ignite the fire. Investigators connected items found in the recovered stolen vehicle to the church fire.

Annette Flak, the secretary treasurer of the parish, expressed her devastation. "It was gut wrenching," she said. Flak reflected on her 86-year-old mother, who was born and raised in the church. "All I could think is they took my mom’s church from her. They couldn’t leave it for a few more years until she passed and she could have a proper send-off, proper burial from her church that she loved."

Just ten hours before the fire, the church had received a grant from the St. John’s Institute for building upgrades. Now, those plans and the church's rich history have been lost. Flak noted, "We were able to salvage the bell from the bell house. So we are hoping that we will be able to erect a little memorial of our church with the bell."

Two suspects have been charged in connection with the incident. Sandy Dawn Marie White, 23, and Lazare Favel, 26, both from Saddle Lake First Nation, face multiple charges, including arson, flight from police, and mischief to cultural property. Favel has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 25. White was released under conditions and is set to appear in court on October 23.

The Smoky Lake RCMP are seeking information regarding the suspect who remains at large. They encourage anyone with information to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.