Smoky Lake Stolen Vehicle Arrests Linked to Bellis Church Fire

Smoky Lake RCMP say two stolen vehicle investigations have been connected to a devastating fire that destroyed a nearly century-old church in Bellis.

On Sept. 21, 2025, police received reports of one attempted and one successful vehicle theft. The suspects fled in two vehicles, driving erratically and ramming a police car while deploying bear mace to escape a traffic stop. A Tire Deflation Device was used, and with support from Police Dog Services and a drone team, three suspects — including a youth — were arrested after fleeing on foot.

Church Fire Connection

Shortly after the arrests, RCMP began receiving reports of a fire that destroyed a church in Bellis. Fire investigators say an accelerant was likely used. Evidence recovered from the suspect vehicle led police to connect the blaze to the same group involved in the thefts.

Charges Laid

Two Saddle Lake First Nations residents, Sandy Dawn Marie White (23) and Lazare Favel (26), are facing charges including:

• Flight from police

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

• Assaulting police with a weapon

• Break and enter

• Arson

• Possession of break-in tools

• Possession of stolen property

• Mischief to cultural property

Favel was remanded into custody and will appear in Fort Saskatchewan court on Sept. 25. White was released on conditions to appear on Oct. 23.

Preserving History

“We are saddened to see a nearly century-old cultural building destroyed in such a manner,” said Sgt. Anita Doktor, Smoky Lake RCMP Detachment Commander. “We believe in preserving our history, no matter our beliefs, and want to highlight the fact that this is not something that should take place within our communities.”

The Bellis Orthodox community traces its roots back before the 1918 founding of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada. Its beginnings are linked to a cemetery established in 1927 on the North Bellis farm of Andrew Klymchuk, a founding member of what would become the All Saints congregation. By the early 1930s, the community was formally connected to the UGOC, and in 1932 members built their temple on land purchased from the Canadian National Railway. Despite the Great Depression, the church was constructed using local timber and donations, serving as a cultural and spiritual centre for Ukrainian settlers in the region. Its destruction represents not just the loss of a building, but of a vital link to the community’s pioneer past.

Ongoing Investigation

RCMP believe at least one more suspect remains at large. Anyone with information is asked to contact Smoky Lake RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.