Montreal Police Hogtie Technique Contributed to Man's Accidental Death, Coroner Finds

A 2025 report by Coroner Géhane Kamel concluded that Abisay Cruz's death was accidental, stemming from a combination of cocaine intoxication and probable positional asphyxia during a police intervention. The report specifically highlighted the "hogtie technique" employed by officers to restrain Cruz, a method widely discouraged and restricted by various organizations due to safety concerns and its association with deaths in custody. Kamel stated it was "highly likely" this restraint method contributed to Cruz's death. The incident occurred following an altercation on March 30, 2025, in Montreal's Saint-Michel neighbourhood. Five officers were involved in the restraint, which lasted for over two minutes before Cruz was moved. The coroner also noted a lack of decisive leadership from a supervising sergeant. The report recommended that the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) officially ban the hogtie technique, equip officers with naloxone kits, and implement body-worn cameras. The SPVM has stated it is committed to reviewing these recommendations, noting that the hogtie technique is not part of the official police academy curriculum.