LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer was injured Thursday in a crash on the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway near Skirball Center Drive in the Sepulveda Pass, but the extent of the officer's injuries was not immediately known.

The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on the heavily traveled freeway, and all lanes were temporarily shut down as an ambulance was brought to the scene — resulting in a miles-long backup on the northbound roadway just as the afternoon rush hour was beginning.

The officer was placed in an ambulance and driven back south on the freeway, likely to Ronald Reagan (UCLA) Medical Center.

It was unclear if the officer simply lost control of the motorcycle or was involved in a crash with another vehicle. The motorcycle, which was on its side on the roadway, did not appear to be heavily damaged.