SIRT Update: September 27, 2024 10:59 a.m.
On Tuesday, September 24, at approximately 1:52 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Saskatchewan RCMP regarding a serious incident involving police.
SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.
On September 24, at approximately 11:30 a.m., RCMP received a report that a 34-year-old man, who was wanted in connection with several recent robberies and had been the subject of recent public bulletins, had been seen on the Fishing Lake First Nation. At approximately 1:00 p.m., police observed a white van and received information that it was being operated by the 34-year-old man. Police attempted a traffic stop on the van, which failed to stop and continued at a high rate of speed. As this was occurring, RCMP received a call from an individual reporting that the man had just stolen the white van, which belonged to the local school. The caller also stated they believed the man to be armed with a firearm.
The pursuit of the van continued through the Fishing Lake First Nation and surrounding area before the van returned to a residence on the First Nation. The van slowed and RCMP vehicles attempted to intercept. During this encounter two RCMP members discharged their service firearms, striking the van. The van continued around the residence and drove through a wooded area and along a narrow path toward another residential area of the First Nation, where an RCMP vehicle made contact with the van, which came to a stop. The man was observed to be inside the van and unresponsive. The man was removed from the van by police, who provided first aid until the arrival of EMS, who pronounced the man deceased.
Immediately following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and five SIRT Investigators were deployed to the Wadena RCMP Detachment and the Fishing Lake First Nation to begin their investigation. A community liaison will also be appointed pursuant to S.91.12 (1) (a) of The Police Act, 1990. During the course of SIRT’s investigation, a loaded shotgun and a spent shell casing were recovered from the white van and have been seized as exhibits by SIRT.
SIRT is aware of civilian-recorded video of the incident circulating through various means. As part of the ongoing investigation, SIRT strongly urges anyone who directly witnessed or may have video of the incident to contact SIRT at sirt@gov.sk.ca.
SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. The RCMP will maintain conduct of the investigation into the man and his actions prior to and during the incident. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.
SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.
For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SIRT_SK.
UPDATE:
On September 24, 2024, 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, but the vehicle did not stop.
Shortly after the Saskatchewan RCMP received a report, the wanted male stole a van from a school on Fishing Lake First Nation. The investigation determined it was the van that fled from the officers, and the male was reported to be armed.
Officers then pursued the van through roads in rural areas. The Saskatchewan RCMP carefully monitored the pursuit for public safety risk.
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 van had a sole occupant who was located inside, injured. The occupant was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.
The male has been identified as 34-year-old Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais.
His family has been notified.
As required by The Police Act, 1990, the Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). SIRT will investigate the Saskatchewan RCMP’s interaction with the deceased and the circumstances of his death.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is disclosing this as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency.
Any inquiries regarding this matter can be directed to SIRT.
RCMP are now warning that there is an increased police presence in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
Mounties said the increased presence is related to efforts to arrest 34-year-old Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais.
Investigators stated they received information this morning that he may be in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
If you see Desjarlais, do not approach him, rather report any sightings of him to the police.
RCMP stated that updates will be provided when possible. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, they will notify the public.
September 23, 6:21p.m.
The Saskatchewan RCMP and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) sent a release asking members of the public to report all sightings of 34-year-old Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais.
Desjarlais is wanted in relation to a September 8 robbery in Wadena, a September 16 robbery in Melfort, and is now charged in relation to a robbery in Yorkton.
On September 22, 2024 at approximately 2:05 a.m., Yorkton RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business on Smith Street.
Investigation determined an adult male 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.
RCMP report that no physical injuries were reported as a result of the Yorkton robbery.
As a result of investigation, Desjarlais has been charged with one count of robbery with firearm, one count of theft of motor vehicle, one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and three counts of possession of weapon contrary to order.
Saskatchewan RCMP, including 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.
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.
If you see Desjarlais, do not approach him.
Report all sightings of Desjarlais and if you have information on his whereabouts contact police immediately.
To report information about Desjarlais, call 310-RCMP.
Information can be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.