The family of Abisay Cruz is questioning the use of a contentious restraint technique by Montreal police that played a role in his death. They are seeking clarity on why officers employed a method not endorsed by the police service during the incident that led to Abisay’s passing. Abisay’s brother, Josué Cruz, expressed a desire to comprehend the necessity of such force and why alternative measures were not taken given Abisay’s vulnerable state.
Abisay, a father and the second youngest of five siblings, tragically died on March 30, 2025, following a police encounter in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighborhood. The family has been profoundly affected by his loss, with his brother describing the event as shattering and leaving lasting emotional scars on all who witnessed it.
A recently released coroner’s report indicated that Abisay’s death was accidental, with the hogtie technique utilized by officers identified as a likely contributing factor. The hogtie method involves binding a person’s limbs behind their back while they are lying on their stomach, a practice deemed unsafe and in violation of fundamental rights by several police departments.
The incident unfolded when police responded to reports of a distressed individual on a balcony, subsequently leading to a confrontation with Abisay. The report revealed that Abisay, grappling with sleep deprivation and facing deportation, had a high level of cocaine in his system, which, combined with the physical restraint applied, played a role in his tragic outcome.
Despite Montreal police and the provincial police academy disavowing the use of the hogtie technique, its application in Abisay’s case raises concerns about police conduct. The coroner’s report recommended banning the hogtie technique and implementing measures like naloxone kits and body-worn cameras for officers dealing with individuals in crisis.
While the Quebec prosecutors’ office decided not to press charges against the involved officers, community advocates like Stephanie Germain are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abisay’s death. Josué Cruz echoed these sentiments, seeking transparency on police training, decision-making processes, and accountability in such critical situations.
The tragic death of Abisay Cruz has ignited discussions about police interventions and the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.