Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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.