Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response is investigating an officer-involved shooting yesterday (Tues) on the Fishing Lake First Nation. 

Mounties from several detachments began searching for 34-year-old Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais yesterday (TUES), following reports he was in the Fishing Lake First Nation area. 

The Fishing Lake First Nation man was wanted in connection with armed robberies in Wadena, Foam Lake, Yorkton, Melfort and the R.M. of Spalding.

After receiving a report that an armed male had stolen a van from the school on the reserve, police pursued the vehicle on rural roads.  Around 1:45, the van entered a field, and firearms were discharged, though the van kept moving.

Shortly after, it came to a stop, and further shots were fired.

The sole occupant of the van was found in the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.  He was identified as Joseph Desjarlais.