Quebec coroner urges Montreal police to review restraint practices after 2025 death
A coroner's report found police use of a hogtie restraint likely contributed to Abisay Cruz's death in March 2025, despite high cocaine levels in his system.
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Quebec coroner Géhane Kamel is recommending Montreal police review its restraint and use of force practices following the March 2025 death of Abisay Cruz, 29. In a report dated August 12, Kamel determined that police use of a hogtie restraint — holding Cruz on his stomach with limbs tied behind his back for more than two minutes — likely contributed to his death, creating serious asphyxiation risk.
Cruz had toxic levels of cocaine in his bloodstream at the time, but the coroner found the restraint technique posed independent danger. Police had been called to respond to a man appearing agitated on a balcony. Cruz was pronounced dead in hospital after the intervention.
The recommendation marks the latest scrutiny of Montreal police tactics following other high-profile incidents. The SPVM has not yet publicly responded to the coroner's findings.
Will Montreal police commit to specific changes in restraint training and protocol?
Are there other pending cases involving similar restraint techniques?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who was Abisay Cruz?
Abisay Cruz was a 29-year-old who died in March 2025 after Montreal police used a hogtie restraint during an intervention.
What did the Quebec coroner find caused Cruz's death?
Quebec coroner Géhane Kamel determined that police use of a hogtie restraint — holding Cruz on his stomach with limbs tied behind his back for more than two minutes — likely contributed to his death by creating serious asphyxiation risk.
When did the coroner issue her report?
The coroner's report was dated August 12, 2026.
