The family of Abisay Cruz is pressing for answers regarding the use of a contentious restraint method by Montreal police during an incident that led to his death. They are questioning the rationale behind employing a technique that the police claim is not part of their training. Abisay passed away on March 30, 2025, following an encounter with police in Saint-Michel, sparking public outrage and exacerbating mistrust towards law enforcement.
Josué Cruz, Abisay’s brother, expressed the family’s distress over the tragedy, emphasizing the impact of losing a beloved family member. The coroner’s report, released recently, determined that Abisay’s demise was accidental, with the hogtie method employed during the intervention identified as a likely contributing factor.
The hogtie maneuver involves binding a person’s limbs behind their back while lying face down, a practice criticized by various police departments for safety and human rights concerns. The incident unfolded when authorities responded to reports of a distressed individual on a balcony hurling objects into an alley. Abisay, facing deportation to Honduras and under severe stress, had a fatal level of cocaine in his system, as per toxicology results.
During the intervention, Abisay was restrained face-down for an extended period before being shifted onto his side. A lack of effective leadership and medical attention during the incident was highlighted in the coroner’s report. Despite resuscitation efforts by paramedics, Abisay could not be saved.
Montreal police clarified that the hogtie technique is not part of their training curriculum, and they are instructed to recognize medical distress signals and provide prompt medical aid. The department pledged to incorporate these principles into their protocols following the tragic event. The officers involved faced consequences, although specific details were not disclosed due to privacy regulations.
The coroner recommended banning the hogtie technique, advocating for officers to carry naloxone kits and wear body cameras during crisis responses. The Quebec prosecutors’ office decided not to press charges against the officers involved, citing the reasonable use of force in subduing Abisay, who was uncooperative during the incident.
Community organizer Stephanie Germain called for a thorough investigation into police conduct following the coroner’s findings. Abisay’s family seeks clarity on the decision to use the unauthorized restraint method and the accountability of those involved. They demand transparency regarding police training, intervention techniques, and individual responsibilities in such critical situations. The family also highlighted a concerning pattern of fatal police interventions in the Montreal area, underscoring the need for improved law enforcement practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
