The family of Abisay Cruz is questioning the use of a controversial restraint technique by Montreal police that led to his death, as a recent coroner’s report did not clarify why officers employed a method the police force claims not to instruct. Josué Cruz, Abisay’s brother, expressed a desire to comprehend the necessity of such force and why a different approach was not taken given his brother’s condition during the incident. Abisay, a father and the second youngest of five siblings, passed away on March 30, 2025, following a confrontation with police in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighborhood, which was captured on video and triggered public outcry.
The coroner’s report revealed that Abisay’s death was accidental, with the hogtie technique utilized by officers likely playing a role in the tragedy. This technique involves binding a person’s limbs behind their back while lying face-down, a method considered unsafe and disrespectful by various police departments. The incident unfolded after police responded to reports of a distressed man on a balcony, subsequently leading to a confrontation due to his imminent deportation and high levels of cocaine in his system.
Despite the revelation that the hogtie technique is not taught by Montreal police or the provincial police academy, questions remain regarding its use in Abisay’s case. The lack of intervention from a supervising officer as Abisay’s condition worsened was highlighted in the report. Paramedics attempted resuscitation, but Abisay was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The coroner recommended banning the hogtie technique, equipping officers with naloxone kits, and deploying body cameras during crisis responses.
While the Quebec prosecutors’ office declined to press charges against the involved officers, community organizers and Abisay’s family continue to seek clarity and accountability from authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Josué Cruz emphasized the importance of understanding police training, techniques employed, and the responsibilities of all involved parties in such situations, calling for transparency and answers in the aftermath of this tragic incident.