The Regina Police Service arrested a 31-year-old man on January 14, 2026, in connection with a fire at Blessed Sacrament Parish in downtown Regina. Police identified the suspect as Jordan Willet and charged him with Arson with Disregard for Human Life; Disguise with Intent; and two counts of Failing to Comply with a Probation Order, following a week-long investigation.
The fire occurred in the early morning of Feb. 9, 2024, at approximately 3:40 a.m. Doorbell and security camera footage showed a masked person pour an accelerant from a jerry can at the church’s entrance and attempt to ignite it. The flames caused smoke damage to the interior and burns to the entrance; no one was inside the building at the time. Blessed Sacrament Parish, built in 1905, is a historic downtown church.
Police said officers reviewed video footage over several days and were able to identify and locate a suspect; public tips prompted by social media also assisted investigators. Father James Hentges, the parish priest, said the arrest was a relief for the congregation and helped restore a sense of safety after the landmark was damaged.
In court proceedings reported by the Regina Leader-Post, Willet pleaded guilty and told police and the court the crime was a ‘random act’ carried out while he was ‘extremely intoxicated.’ On April 9, 2024, he was sentenced to 378 days in jail (15 months), with credit for time served, followed by 18 months of probation. Conditions of his probation include participation in mental-health and substance-use counselling.
Repairs and cleanup at the historic church have been under way, and regular services resumed about a month after the fire as the congregation and community continue restoration efforts.
