Abdi was 37 years old with a psychiatric disability. An altercation between Abdi and the police began when officers were called to an Ottawa coffee shop over reports of a disturbance. Abdi fled to his apartment building, but was struck by an officer’s baton. Pepper spray was also used to subdue him. Abdi was left head-down in a pool of blood for over 10 minutes before paramedics arrive. Abdi died later in the hospital.