LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities say a man who led police on a chase across several Southern California freeways before slamming into a center divider at high speed was apparently trying to kill himself.

The incident caused long backups on northbound Interstate Highway 5 during the Monday morning rush hour, as rescue crews sought to remove the man from his sport utility vehicle after the crash.

California Highway Patrol Sgt. Scott Hawkins tells KTLA-TV the suspect is hospitalized in stable condition.

He says the man told officers he intentionally hit the divider because he was distraught about his relationship with his child's mother and wanted to die.

Hawkins says the suspect will likely face reckless endangerment and other charges. He says it appears alcohol was involved in the incident.