YORKTON - Update Sept. 2, 9:30 p.m.: RCMP have confirmed that Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais is dead after police located the wanted man in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
RCMP say firearms were discharged and that the wanted man was reported to be armed. As required by The Police Act, 1990, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified and it will be investigating the RCMP’s interaction with the deceased and the circumstances of his death.
The timeline as reported by RCMP in their release is as follows:
On Sept. 24, Saskatchewan RCMP received a report that a wanted male was in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
Multiple Saskatchewan RCMP units began searching for the male. Around 1 p.m., officers observed a van travelling at a high rate of speed. They activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop.
Soon after, Saskatchewan RCMP received a report the wanted male stole a van from a school on Fishing Lake First Nation. Investigation determined it was the van that fled from the officers. The male was reported to be armed.
Officers pursued the van through roads in rural areas. Saskatchewan RCMP carefully monitored the pursuit for public safety risk, including preparing to send a dangerous person alert.
At around 1:45 p.m., the van entered a field. Firearms were discharged and the van continued travelling.
The van came to a stop and additional shots were discharged. The sole occupant was located inside, injured. He was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.
Third update: RCMP advised at 2:37 p.m. on Sept. 24, the police incident has ended on Fishing Lake First Nation.
There is no further risk to the public at this time; however, there is still a significant police presence on Fishing Lake First Nation. The public is asked to stay away from the area at this time.
RCMP are working on another update to provide further details of this incident.
Saskatchewan RCMP advises there is an increased police presence in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
The police presence is related to ongoing efforts to arrest Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais. Investigators received information the morning of Sept. 24 that he may be in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
People are asked to avoid the areas where officers are present and to follow any police direction provided.
If you see Desjarlais, do not approach him. Report any sightings of Desjarlais or suspicious activity to police immediately by dialing 310-RCMP.
Desjarlais is described as approximately 5'7" tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes, short brown hair, and a short beard. He has tattoos of the words 'public' and 'enemy' with flames on his hands, and 'Bonnie and Clyde' tattooed on the right side of his neck.
Updates will be provided when possible. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, police will notify the public.
If you have information related to this advisory please call 9-1-1 or 310-RCMP.
Second update: The RCMP are advising of increased police presence in the Fishing Lake First Nation area in Wadena.
The police presence is related to ongoing efforts to arrest Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais. Investigators received information Sept. 24 that he may be in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
People are asked to avoid the areas where officers are present and to follow any police direction provided.
If you see Desjarlais, do not approach him. Report any sightings of Desjarlais or suspicious activity to police immediately by dialing 310-RCMP.
Desjarlais is described as approximately 5'7" tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes, short brown hair, and a short beard. He has tattoos of the words 'public' and 'enemy' with flames on his hands, and 'Bonnie and Clyde' tattooed on the right side of his neck.
Updates will be provided when possible. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, the police will notify the public.
If you have information related to this advisory please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or call Crime Stoppers.
Update: Police report on Sept. 23 they are still looking to locate Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais who is now facing more charges.
Saskatchewan RCMP WEST is asking the public to report all sightings and information on the whereabouts of 34-year-old Desjarlais.
Desjarlais is wanted in relation to a Sept. 8 robbery in Wadena, a Sept. 16 robbery in Melfort, and is now charged in a robbery in Yorkton.
On Sept. 22 at approximately 2:05 a.m., Yorkton RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business on Smith Street.
Investigation determined a man entered the business, threatened an employee with a firearm, then stole cash, cigarettes and the keys to the employee’s vehicle. He then fled in that vehicle.
No physical injuries were reported as a result of the robbery.
As a result of investigation, Desjarlais has been charged with: robbery with firearm; theft of motor vehicle; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and possession of weapon contrary to order.
Saskatchewan RCMP, including the Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST), is actively working to locate and arrest Desjarlais on his multiple outstanding warrants. Residents in the area may notice an increased police presence as a result of the efforts to arrest him.
If you see Desjarlais, do not approach him. Report all sightings of him or information on his whereabouts to police immediately.
Desjarlais is described as approximately 5'7" tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes, short brown hair, and a short beard. He has tattoos of the words ‘public’ and ‘enemy’ with flames on his hands, and ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ tattooed on the right side of his neck.
Report information to 310-RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
Original post: Police are asking for the public's help following a robbery at a business in Wadena and a break and enter at a business in Foam Lake.
On Sept. 8 at approximately 11:45 p.m., Wadena RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a business in Wadena. Officers responded immediately. Investigation determined a man entered the business, approached an employee with what appeared to be a firearm, and stole merchandise. The man later left the business. No physical injuries were reported to police.
On Sept. 9 at approximately 1:20 a.m., Wadena RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a business in Foam Lake. Officers responded and determined a man threw an unknown object at the business’s glass door, shattering it and setting off the security alarm. He entered the business with what appeared to be a firearm, stole merchandise, and later left in a black Jeep Patriot with Saskatchewan licence plate 621 NNC. The man was last seen heading towards Main Street in Foam Lake. No physical injuries were reported to police.
As a result of continued investigation, 34-year-old Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais, from Fishing Lake First Nation, is charged with: robbery with a weapon; break, enter and commit; and using an imitation firearm in an offence.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Wadena RCMP continue working to locate and arrest Desjarlais, and ask members of the public to report all sightings and information about his whereabouts.
Desjarlais is described as approximately 5’7” tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes, short brown hair, and a short beard. He was last seen wearing a light brown hoodie and a fanny pack. He has tattoos of the words ‘public’ and ‘enemy’ with flames on his hands, and ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ tattooed on the right side of his neck.
Saskatchewan RCMP Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST) is assisting in this investigation.
If you see Desjarlais, do not approach him. Report all sightings and information about the whereabouts of Desjarlais to Wadena RCMP at 310-RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
