QUEBEC CITY — Quebec police are investigating witness claims that Quebec City police pinned a cyclist to the ground and continued with their arrest, even as blood poured from his mouth after their cruiser ran him over.

Guy Blouin, 48, died Wednesday in the hardscrabble Saint-Roch district of the provincial capital.

Witnesses say a cruiser that attempted to pull over Blouin, going the wrong way down a one-way street just after 1 p.m., instead ran him over.

"He went under the wheels," said Bibi, who would only give her first name. She said the cruiser then shifted into drive and ran Blouin over a second time.

Witness Sylvie Dion described a "rough arrest" in which officers pinned Blouin to the ground by both of his arms.

Bibi added: "I saw the blood coming out of his mouth, he shouted 'I'm hurt.'"

The witnesses also said officers walked the man to an ambulance as he was doubled over in pain.

Blouin died a few hours later.

His death prompted an angry rally of 200 people Thursday on the steps of a church in the low-income district. Some held up signs that read, "police steal lives."

They allege the officers who struck Blouin put his mangled bicycle into their trunk and drove off.

Provincial police would not comment on the claims city officers altered the scene of the collision.

"Investigators have met with several witnesses, including police officers involved in the accident," said provincial police Sgt. Ann Mathieu.

A spokesman for Mayor Regis Labeaume said City Hall is monitoring the situation.

"He offers his condolences to the family of Mr. Guy Blouin," Paul-Christian Nolin said. "He trusts the (provincial police) investigation."