Sudbury police officers suspended, OPP takes over investigation of teen’s death

Two Greater Sudbury police officers have been suspended with pay and a death investigation from May 23 has been transferred to the Ontario Provincial Police.

The Ontario Provincial Police’s criminal investigation branch has taken over the investigation into the death of 19-year-old Rocco Renaud, who died while working at a residence in Lively on May 23.

Greater Sudbury Police asked the OPP to take over the case, after questions emerged about the conduct of two off-duty officers the day Renaud died.

In a news release Monday, Sudbury police said a chief’s complaint has been initiated about the conduct of the off-duty police officers.

A chief’s complaint is one initiated by Chief Sara Cunningham, police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn confirmed in an email to CTV News.

Suspended with pay

“As the allegations have not yet been substantiated, their names will not be released at this time,” the release said.

“Both officers have been suspended with pay in accordance with section 209(1) of the Community Safety and Policing Act.”

The OPP was asked to take over the case because “it was determined that there is an institutional conflict of interest,” Sudbury police said, under Ontario Regulation 401/23 of the Act.

“The Greater Sudbury Police Service takes all allegations of misconduct and/or criminality by our officers seriously and remains committed to a thorough, transparent investigative process that upholds accountability and maintains the public trust we are sworn to protect,” the release said.

Initial reports said Renaud died while doing maintenance work at the residence, and that the Ministry of Labour had opened an investigation.

On Monday, the OPP said it received a request from the Sudbury police “to assume responsibility for the investigation.”

“A post-mortem was conducted at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, but a cause of death has not yet been determined,” the OPP said in a news release Monday.

“The investigation is ongoing under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the OFPS.”

The Ministry of Labour confirmed Monday it is still investigating the case, but couldn’t comment further.

The OPP is asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact them at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.