Community Safety Alert: Armed Robbery and Vehicle Theft Investigation in Yellowknife

Overview of the Incident

Yellowknife RCMP have charged two individuals after a routine court-ordered compliance check led officers to uncover an alleged violent robbery and vehicle theft involving a weapon. The incident stems from police activity on February 20, 2026, in and around Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Officers were initially checking on a prolific offender’s release conditions when they determined that the person was allegedly not living at the address required by a court order. The suspect was later found in a vehicle, attempted to drive away from police, and was arrested. Investigators now allege that the vehicle had been taken from a victim at knifepoint, that the victim was assaulted, and that a second suspect assisted in the robbery.

Official RCMP Details

According to the official information from Yellowknife RCMP, officers were conducting a routine compliance check on February 20, 2026 to verify that a known prolific offender was following the conditions of their release order. Police say they developed grounds to believe the individual was not staying at, and had never stayed at, the residence specified in their court documents.

A short time later, officers located the offender, identified as 34-year-old Joshua Desjarlais of Yellowknife, inside a vehicle. Desjarlais allegedly attempted to flee in the vehicle but was stopped by police, arrested, and removed from the vehicle. Further investigation led officers to conclude that the vehicle had been taken from a victim at knifepoint, and that the victim had been assaulted with the assistance of another person, who was subsequently identified and arrested.

Charges Against Joshua Desjarlais (Yellowknife)

34-year-old Joshua Desjarlais, of Yellowknife, has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada:

• Robbery with a weapon, contrary to section 344
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1)
• Uttering threats, contrary to section 264.1(1)(a)
• Sexual assault with a weapon, contrary to section 272(1)(a)
• Operation of a vehicle while prohibited, contrary to section 320.18
• Resisting a peace officer, contrary to section 129(a)
• Two counts of failing to comply with a release order, contrary to section 145(5)(a)

Police note that Desjarlais had been released from custody by the courts on February 16, 2026, just one week prior to this alleged incident, after facing previous drug- and driving-related charges.

Charges Against Autumn Baton (Yellowknife)

27-year-old Autumn Baton, also of Yellowknife, has been charged with:

• Robbery with a weapon, contrary to section 344 of the Criminal Code
• Failure to comply with a probation order

Both accused were held in police custody for a bail hearing and were later remanded into custody.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights serious public safety concerns related to violent crime, weapons offences, and non-compliance with court-ordered conditions in Yellowknife and across the Northwest Territories. When individuals who are already under court supervision are alleged to commit armed robbery, sexual violence, and vehicle theft, it underlines the importance of consistent monitoring and community awareness.

Residents should remain alert when entering or exiting vehicles, especially at night or in isolated areas, and are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to RCMP as early as possible. If you ever feel threatened during a potential theft or robbery, prioritize your personal safety over property, seek a safe location immediately, and contact police. Community members can contribute to a safer environment by sharing verified safety information, supporting victims of crime, and cooperating with ongoing investigations when requested by law enforcement.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the northwest-territories community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.