A Montreal woman named Hortense Cica is seeking $112.5 million in damages from the City of Montreal, alleging that she was left paralyzed following a police intervention in September 2023.
According to reports from La Presse, Cica’s lawsuit claims that a police arrest resulted in life-altering injuries, leaving her quadriplegic and reliant on others for daily tasks. Her lawyer, Kwadwo Yeboah, emphasized that Cica’s life has been drastically changed, and the requested amount reflects the significant impact on her well-being.
The incident unfolded in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, where Cica was arrested near her child’s elementary school in violation of a court order. Following her arrest, she was reportedly left on the sidewalk outside her home, complaining of neck pain and numbness in her limbs. Neighbors captured footage showing Cica lying immobile on the ground.
The lawsuit contends that the police intervention worsened her condition, alleging delayed medical attention by paramedics. Yeboah stressed the importance of prompt care for individuals in distress, regardless of the circumstances.
Cica’s claim includes $10 million specifically allocated for alleged violations of her fundamental rights, with a significant portion earmarked for her ongoing medical needs. Additionally, she asserts that racial profiling influenced the handling of her case, highlighting concerns raised by Red Coalition founder Joel Debellefeuille about bias in policing procedures.
Despite ongoing investigations into the involved officers, including three SPVM members on administrative duties, there has been no resolution. The Montreal Police Brotherhood has expressed frustration over the prolonged process.
Requests for comments from the city, SPVM, and Police Brotherhood went unanswered.
