The family of Abisay Cruz is questioning the Montreal police’s use of a controversial restraint method that led to his death. They seek clarity on why officers employed a technique not taught by the police service during the intervention that ended tragically for Abisay, who was in crisis and needed assistance.
Abisay, a father and one of five siblings, passed away on March 30, 2025, following a police encounter in Saint-Michel. The incident, captured on video, triggered public outcry and deepened mistrust towards law enforcement.
Expressing profound grief, Josué Cruz, Abisay’s brother, highlighted the devastating impact of the loss on their family. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding the events surrounding Abisay’s death and the reasons behind the use of force during the intervention.
A recent coroner’s report suggested that the hogtie technique, a method involving binding a person’s limbs behind their back while face-down, was a contributing factor in Abisay’s accidental death. The report underscored concerns about the safety and human rights implications of such methods.
The police responded to reports of a distressed individual on a balcony who was later identified as Abisay, facing deportation and struggling with substance abuse. Despite efforts to calm him, Abisay was subdued using the hogtie technique, handcuffed and restrained for an extended period before his condition worsened.
The absence of effective leadership during the incident was noted by the coroner, who highlighted the urgency of medical intervention for individuals in distress. Paramedics attempted resuscitation, but Abisay was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Montreal police clarified that neither their department nor the provincial police academy teaches the hogtie technique. They emphasized the importance of recognizing medical distress and providing prompt medical care to individuals under arrest. The officers involved faced consequences, although specifics were not disclosed due to privacy concerns.
Responding to the coroner’s recommendations, the police pledged to ban the hogtie technique, equip officers with naloxone kits, and implement body-worn cameras for crisis interventions. Despite no charges being filed against the officers, calls for accountability and transparency continue within the community.
Stephanie Germain, a community organizer advocating for justice in Abisay’s case, emphasized the need for thorough investigations into police conduct and clear answers for the community. Josué Cruz echoed these sentiments, demanding accountability and transparency in police training and decision-making processes.
Connecting Abisay’s tragic demise to past fatal police interventions in the region, Josué highlighted the need to prevent similar incidents and ensure accountability for law enforcement actions.