September 24, 2024
Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan
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. 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.
The male has been identified as 34-year-old Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais. We are identifying him as Saskatchewan RCMP had asked the public for information about him in a number of media releases issued during the past two weeks.
His family has been notified.
As required by The Police Act, 1990, 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.
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Backgrounder
Saskatchewan RCMP WEST asks members of the public to report sightings of Joey Desjarlais
2024-09-23
Saskatchewan RCMP WEST is asking members of the public to report all sightings and information on the whereabouts 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.
No physcal injuries were reported as a result of the robbery.
As a result of investigation, Desjarlais has been charged with:
- one count, robbery with firearm, Section 344, Criminal Code;
- one count, theft of motor vehicle, Section 333.1(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code; and
- three counts, possession of weapon contrary to order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.
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. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Melfort RCMP: male wanted after armed robbery
2024-09-19
On September 16, 2024 at approximately 10:35 a.m., Melfort RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a rural residence in the RM of Spalding, SK.
Investigation determined two males entered the residence with firearms and wearing masks and pointed the firearms at two people inside the residence. The adult males stole two firearms and electronics from the residence before leaving the area in a vehicle. No physical injuries were reported to police.
Officers responded and located the suspect vehicle on Fishing Lake First Nation. Officers conducted a traffic stop and the driver, an adult male, was arrested at the scene. Officers located and seized three firearms from inside the vehicle, two of which were stolen during the armed robbery. Further investigation determined the vehicle the adult male was driving was previously reported stolen out of Humboldt, SK.
As a result of investigation, 23-year-old Bohdey Bussiere from Spalding, SK is charged with:
- three counts, possession of property obtained by crime, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, unlawful possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code.
Bohdey Bussiere is scheduled to appear in Melfort Provincial Court on September 19, 2024.
As a result of continued investigation, 34-year-old Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais from Fishing Lake First Nation, SK is charged with:
- one count, pointing a firearm, Section 87(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, carrying a weapon with the intent to commit an offense, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, break and enter and steal a firearm, Section 98(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, unlawful possession of a firearm, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, robbery with a firearm, Section 344(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, break and enter, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, wear a mask while committing an indictable offense, Section 351(2), Criminal Code; and
- three counts, possess a firearm while prohibited from doing so, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.
A warrant has been issued for Desjarlais's arrest. Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais is also wanted on warrant by Wadena RCMP for charges in relation to a September 8, 2024 armed robbery in Wadena, SK.
Melfort RCMP continue work to locate and arrest Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais and ask members of the public to report all sightings and information about his whereabouts.
Joseph "Joey" 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 Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais, do not approach him. Report all sightings and information about the whereabouts of Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais to your local RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267). Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Melfort RCMP continue to investigate.
Wadena, Humboldt, Rose Valley, and Tisdale RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP's Melfort Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS), and Saskatchewan RCMP's Police Dog Services assisted in this investigation.
Wadena RCMP: male wanted after armed robbery
2024-09-09
On September 8, 2024 at approximately 11:45 p.m., Wadena RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a business in Wadena, SK. Officers responded immediately. Investigation determined an adult male entered the business, approached an employee with what appeared to be a firearm, and stole merchandise. The adult male later left the business. No physical injuries were reported to police.
On September 9, 2024 at approximately 1:20 a.m., Wadena RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a business in Foam Lake, SK. Officers responded and determined an adult male threw an unknown object at the business's glass door, shattering it and setting off the security alarm. The adult male entered the business with what appeared to be a firearm, stole merchandise, and later left in a black Jeep Patriot with Saskatchewan license plate 621 NNC. The adult male 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:
- one count, robbery with a weapon, Section 344, Criminal Code;
- one count, break, enter and commit, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
- two counts, using an imitation firearm in an offence, Section 85(2)(a), Criminal Code.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Wadena RCMP continue working to locate and arrest Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais and ask members of the public to report all sightings and information about his whereabouts.
Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais is described as approximately 5'7" tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes, short brown hair, and a short beard. Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais 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.
If you see Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais, do not approach him. Report all sightings and information about the whereabouts of Joseph "Joey" Desjarlais to Wadena RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Saskatchewan RCMP Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST) is assisting in this investigation.
