A recent report from a coroner has determined that the death of a 29-year-old man after an altercation with police was accidental, with the police restraint technique likely playing a role. Abisay Cruz passed away on March 30, 2025, following an incident at an apartment in Saint-Michel neighborhood. This incident was one of two fatalities following separate police operations in Montreal within a 12-hour period that weekend. The use of the “hogtie technique” by officers in this case, which involves binding a person’s limbs behind their back while lying face down, was highlighted as a concerning factor.
Coroner Géhane Kamel’s findings indicated that Cruz’s passing was due to a combination of cocaine intoxication and potential positional asphyxia during the police intervention. The report emphasized that the hogtie technique is discouraged and restricted by many law enforcement and medical organizations due to safety and human rights issues, with a likely connection to deaths in custody.
Kamel’s report described Cruz as the second youngest of five siblings, known for his affectionate nature and strong family ties. Leading up to his death, Cruz faced the stress of potential deportation to Honduras. Police received a call reporting a distressed individual, later identified as Cruz, near Pie-IX Boulevard and 47th Street. Conflicting witness reports suggested varying levels of threat posed by Cruz, with some indicating willingness to communicate before the situation escalated. Ultimately, five officers were involved in restraining Cruz.
While the BEI investigation concluded no criminal charges against the officers, Kamel raised concerns about the prolonged restraint period and lack of supervisory intervention as Cruz’s condition worsened. The coroner recommended banning the hogtie technique and suggested equipping officers with naloxone kits and body-worn cameras for crisis situations involving force.
Montreal police affirmed their commitment to implementing Kamel’s recommendations, clarifying that the hogtie technique is not part of their training protocols. They emphasized officer training in recognizing medical distress signs and providing timely medical assistance. Former RCMP staff sergeant Alain Babineau expressed worries about the use of outdated techniques, questioning the oversight in police policy development.
Additionally, the report criticized the response from Urgences-santé, noting service shortages on the day of Cruz’s death. The findings highlighted systemic challenges in emergency response services during critical incidents.