Smoky Lake RCMP say two people have been charged after a series of crime on September 21 that included vehicle thefts and a fire that destroyed a century old church in Bellis.
Police received reports regarding one attempted and one successful vehicle theft.
“The suspects left the area together in two separate vehicles. RCMP members responded, located the vehicles, that were driving erratically, and attempted a traffic stop,” reads the RCMP release, noting that the vehicles fled and a Tire Deflation Device was deployed.
“The vehicle steered towards a police car and rammed it, with a suspect deploying bear mace in an attempt to escape. The stolen vehicle fled the scene with the suspect vehicle eventually stopped, with suspects fleeing on foot.”
Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services and Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) were called and assisted in locating and arresting three suspects. One suspect was a youth.
Smoky Lake RCMP then started to receive reports of a fire in Bellis that destroyed a local church.
“According to Firestorm, who attended the scene, an accelerant was likely used. Upon further investigation, items found in the suspect vehicle led officers to link the church fire to the individuals involved in the vehicle theft,” reads the release. “RCMP believes there is at least one more suspect that has yet to be identified or arrested.”
As a result of the investigation, a 23-year-old and a 26-year-old, both Saddle Lake residents, were arrested and charged. The charges include flight from police, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, mischief under $5000, assaulting police with weapon, break and enter, arson, possession of break-in tools, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 and mischief to cultural property.
Both were brought before a justice of the peace. The 26-year-old was remanded into custody and was set to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Saskatchewan on September 25, while the 23-year-old was released on conditions and is set to appear in court on October 23.
“We are saddened to see a nearly century-old cultural building destroyed in such a manner,” said Sgt. Anita Doktor, Detachment Commander of the Smoky Lake RCMP. “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. We want to thank the surrounding detachments, as well as Alberta RCMP PDS, RPAS and FIS members for assisting in this investigation.”
Smoky Lake RCMP is looking for information regarding the outstanding suspect or suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact Smoky Lake RCMP or their local police. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
