A man involved in a two-car crash on the Bay Bridge Thursday ran from the scene, perhaps to escape law enforcement attention, and jumped into the Bay, according to California Highway Patrol.

CHP tells KPIX that dispatchers first got word of the crash 2:17 pm Thursday, on the eastern, suspension span of the Bay Bridge. One of the cars rolled over in the crash, in the eastbound lanes, and the driver of that car allegedly got out of the vehicle and ran east toward Oakland, along the northside shoulder of the eastbound lanes of the bridge.

According to CHP spokesperson Mark Andrews, the man then "jumped over the railing and into the water and was observed swimming."

Coast Guard rescuers came to the scene and helped the man out of the water.

The second driver involved was reportedly not injured, and there were no passengers in either vehicle, per the CHP.

The damages cars temporarily blocked the two left eastbound lanes, but traffic proceeded through the other three lanes.

The condition of the man who was rescued from the water is not yet known.

The Chronicle confirms that the Kia Soul that the man was driving was not reported as stolen, and his reason for running remains unclear.

All lanes reportedly reopened as of 3:21 pm.

Photo: Chris Leipelt