A Montreal man who claims he was a victim of police brutality says he's received no help from Quebec's victim's compensation fund (IVAC).

Hydro Québec employee Dennis Cloutier says he was confronted by police around midnight when he was returning home from working a night shift in January.

After putting his garbage on the street for the next day's pickup, he said he was suddenly accosted by a police officer.

"Then there's a guy with a gun right in my face!" he recalls.

Cloutier, 51, says he was tackled to the ground by at least eight officers who mistook him for an intruder.

"I screamed, I could not breathe" he said. "They did not give me a break … I was sure I was going to die."

Cloutier said police released him once they realized their mistake.

Yesterday police could not be reached to provide comment, but Cloutier said they have apologized for the mistake.

Cloutier has been unable to work since the incident.

He said he may need surgery to repair his shoulder. He also suffered injuries to his hand, face and his teeth.

Victim says Quebec won't give him compensation

Cloutier contacted the IVAC for help, since he has not been able to work and he needs money to pay for his treatment.

But he said the IVAC denied his request because the police have not admitted they attacked him.

The IVAC would not comment on the specifics of the case.