Homeless man chased by officers fatally struck in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES - Police investigated the death of a transient who jumped from a freeway overpass after being chased by officers. 

According to police, officers were on patrol in the area of Santa Monica Boulevard and the freeway around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when they spotted the man in the street and under the influence of alcohol, running in and out of traffic.

The initial indications were that a person jumped onto the southbound Hollywood Freeway near Santa Monica Boulevard, according to Officer Mike Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department.

"Officers attempted to stop him and then he ran and jumped off the bridge," LAPD Sgt. Mark Cohan said. 

It was unclear if the man died as a result of the fall or was struck by a vehicle.

An investigation was underway to determine if the officer's actions prompted the man to jump or his death was an accident, Cohan said.  The name of the transient was not disclosed.

The two right lanes of the southbound Hollywood Freeway at Santa Monica Boulevard would be closed until further notice, according to the California Highway Patrol.