Montreal woman paralyzed after 2023 SPVM arrest now sues city for $112.5 million in damages

Montreal woman Hortense Cica, who became quadriplegic following a police intervention in September 2023, is now suing the City of Montreal for $112.5 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges that a SPVM arrest left her with life-changing injuries and that police failed to call paramedics promptly.

Before the incident, Cica was independent in her daily life. She is now completely dependent on others for daily care. "The person probably is handicapped for the rest of their life. She might need people to help her on a daily basis," said lawyer Kwadwo Yeboah, representing Cica. "It might seem like a lot, but somebody is alleging that their whole life has been changed."

On the day in question, Cica was arrested in Ahuntsic-Cartierville near an elementary school after going there despite a court order. After her arrest, she was removed from the police cruiser and left on the sidewalk outside her home. According to the lawsuit, she told officers she was experiencing neck pain and tingling in her limbs. Video recorded by neighbours appears to show her lying motionless on the ground.

The lawsuit alleges the police intervention contributed to her injuries and that paramedics did not take over her care until about an hour later. "Any reasonable person should at least call the paramedics, no matter how the conditions of the person, just to check up," Yeboah said.

Cica is requesting $112.5 million in damages to account for the medical treatment she's expected to need for the rest of her life. Of that, $10 million is tied specifically to alleged violations of her fundamental rights. Originally from Benin, Cica is alleging that racial profiling played a role in how she was treated. "When race is involved into it, they look at the pretext," said Joel Debellefeuille, founder of Red Coalition. "They're going to let everything that makes up the scenario when they get there before actually moving in."

Three SPVM officers remain assigned to administrative duties nearly three years after the incident. The criminal investigation into the officers remains unresolved. The Montreal Police Brotherhood has publicly criticized the delay. Reporters reached out to the City of Montreal, SPVM, and the Police Brotherhood, but all parties declined to comment.