A recent coroner’s report has determined that the death of a 29-year-old man during a police encounter was accidental, with the restraint technique used by officers likely playing a role. Abisay Cruz passed away on March 30, 2025, following an incident that originated on a balcony in Saint-Michel, Montreal.
This tragic event was one of two fatalities resulting from separate police operations conducted by the Montreal police within a 12-hour period that weekend. The circumstances surrounding Cruz’s death, along with video footage of the incident shared on social media, led to demonstrations in the neighborhood and exacerbated existing distrust towards law enforcement.
The coroner highlighted the use of the “hogtie technique” in Cruz’s case, a method involving binding a person’s limbs behind their back while they are prone. According to Coroner Géhane Kamel, Cruz’s demise was linked to a combination of cocaine intoxication and potential positional asphyxia during the police intervention.
Kamel emphasized concerns over the hogtie technique, noting its disapproval and restriction by various police and medical organizations due to its association with detainee deaths and significant safety and human rights issues. She concluded that the use of this method likely contributed to Cruz’s passing.
In her report, Kamel described Cruz as the second youngest of five siblings and highlighted his close-knit relationship with his family. Leading up to his tragic death, Cruz faced the stress of possible deportation to Honduras, adding to his emotional burden.
On the day of the incident, a call to 911 reported Cruz, who was perceived to be in distress near a street corner, prompting police intervention. Conflicting witness accounts emerged, with some alleging Cruz posed an immediate threat, while others portrayed him as cooperative before the situation escalated. The intervention involved five police officers restraining Cruz.
Despite the investigation by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) concluding no criminal charges against the officers, Kamel raised alarm over the prolonged face-down restraint on Cruz without timely repositioning. She criticized the lack of supervisory intervention as Cruz’s condition deteriorated, urging the Montreal police to prohibit the hogtie technique and equip officers with naloxone kits and body-worn cameras for crisis situations.
Montreal police affirmed their commitment to implementing Kamel’s recommendations, clarifying that the hogtie technique is not part of their training curriculum. The response from Alain Babineau, representing The Red Coalition, underscored the need for policy revision within the police force, particularly regarding outdated practices like the hogtie technique.
Furthermore, the report highlighted deficiencies in the emergency medical response system, citing shortages in service availability from Urgences-santé on the day of Cruz’s passing. These revelations underscore the need for comprehensive reforms and improved protocols within law enforcement and emergency healthcare services.