// a href = ./ //

CAHOKIA, Ill. (AP) - Police say a suspect running from authorities jumped from a highway ramp leading to a Mississippi River bridge into St. Louis. The man survived and is hospitalized.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that investigators in Cahokia, Ill., just southeast of St. Louis, were conducting a sweep Wednesday for fugitives and illegal drugs and guns when the man sped away from police trying to stop his car.

The suspect then crashed on an on-ramp of the Poplar Street Bridge and tried to flee on foot before leaping over a guardrail.

Police say he survived the fall and attempted to hide after he landed but was arrested.

His name and medical status were not immediately available Thursday.

Police have identified the elderly woman who died after being hit by another driver who was fleeing police.

The incident began when officers saw two suspects driving a stolen vehicle in South St. Louis near Grand and Osage. During the traffic stop, the suspect--an 18 year-old man--threw his car into reverse and almost hit the police officer. He then sped off, but hit a car with three passengers, including 87-year-old Virginia Bedrosian. Bedrosian was taken to the hospital where she died later Tuesday night.

The suspect was caught after a short foot chase and his passenger was taken into custody as well.

A crazy police chase started on the highway and ended at the antelope exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo.

<br><br>

Police say they tried to pull a car over at 64 and Kingshighway last night around 11:30. The driver sped off, but crashed at the Hampton exit. That is when the man ran into Forest Park and headed for the zoo. Officers caught up to the man as he was trying climb into the antelope enclosure and a park ranger was forced to use a stun gun to stop the man.

<br><br>

The name of the man has not been released, pending charges.