Background on Sgt. Robert Cleroux
Sgt. Robert Cleroux, who had dedicated approximately 28 years of service to the Ottawa Police Service, recently faced personal challenges that led to him being off work. He was assigned to the south end neighbourhood division as an acting staff sergeant at the time of his death.
Breaking Development
On Friday evening, the Ottawa police community was shaken by the news of Cleroux’s death by suicide. This tragic event has raised concerns about mental health within the police force, a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years.
Matthew Cox, a colleague of Cleroux, expressed his sorrow, stating, “He was one of those guys that you knew would always be there to have your back.” The Ottawa Police Service also released a statement acknowledging the difficulty of the news, saying, “This is difficult news for our Service.” They emphasized the importance of supporting affected family members and colleagues.
Community Impact and Response
Cleroux is survived by his wife and two children, and the Ottawa Police Service has indicated that support systems are being put in place for those impacted by this loss. Matthew Cox further highlighted the need to normalize discussions around suicide, particularly within the policing profession, stating, “We need to start to normalize [discussion of] suicide as it is something that does happen and it does unfortunately happen a lot in the profession of policing.”
Current Crime Trends
As the community mourns, the Ottawa Police Service is also facing challenges with rising crime rates. Recent reports indicate a 28 percent rise in thefts in 2026, with 2,700 theft reports filed as of February 12, 2026. Police have charged 334 individuals in theft-related cases and are actively searching for three suspects involved in aggressive thefts at Walmart stores.
Investigation and Next Steps
The circumstances surrounding Cleroux’s death are currently under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police, and it has been stated that the death is not believed to be suspicious. However, details remain unconfirmed. The Ottawa Police Service and the community are now faced with the dual challenge of addressing mental health concerns while also tackling the rising crime rates.
