The hunt for a suspect involved in a string of robberies across east central Saskatchewan came to an end in a field following a chase with RCMP.
Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais, age 34, was wanted in robberies near Naicam, Humboldt and in Yorkton. Multiple RCMP units were involved in the hunt for Desjarlais when a report came in about a presence in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
At 1 pm on Tuesday, September 24, RCMP officers observed a van travelling at a high rate of speed. The van had been stolen from a school on Fishing Lake First Nation. The driver was reported to be a lone male, armed.
A release from the RCMP states that 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 deceased individual was identified as Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais, the subject of the man hunt and numerous media releases over previous weeks. His family was notified.
RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) who will investigate the Saskatchewan RCMP’s interaction with the deceased and the circumstances of his death.