The family of Abisay Cruz is questioning the use of a controversial restraint method by Montreal police that led to his death. They are seeking clarification on why officers applied a technique that is not part of police training, as stated in a recent coroner’s report.
Josué Cruz, Abisay’s brother, expressed the family’s concerns in an email to CBC News, emphasizing the need to understand the use of excessive force and the failure to manage Abisay’s situation differently. The tragic incident occurred on March 30, 2025, in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighborhood, resulting in Abisay’s death and triggering public outrage.
The coroner’s report, released recently, ruled Abisay’s death as accidental, highlighting the hogtie technique used during the intervention as a contributing factor. This method involves binding a person’s limbs behind their back while they are lying face-down. The report also mentioned the presence of a high level of cocaine in Abisay’s system and lack of proper leadership during the incident.
Montreal police, known as the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), confirmed that the hogtie technique is not part of their training curriculum. The provincial police academy, École nationale de police du Québec, also clarified that they do not teach this method. The SPVM emphasized the importance of recognizing medical distress signals and the necessity of prompt medical attention.
Following the incident, actions were taken concerning the involved officers and supervisors, although specific details were not disclosed due to privacy reasons. The coroner recommended banning the hogtie technique, equipping officers with naloxone kits, and deploying body-worn cameras during crisis responses, which the police department intends to follow.
Despite the decision by Quebec’s prosecutors’ office not to press charges against the officers involved, questions remain surrounding police conduct. Community organizer Stephanie Germain highlighted the need for a thorough investigation to address concerns raised by the coroner’s report.
In an effort to seek clarity and accountability, Josué Cruz demanded answers regarding police training, decision-making processes, and individual responsibilities. He linked his brother’s tragic death to previous fatal police interventions in the Montreal area, underscoring the family’s call for transparency and justice in the face of such incidents.
