Los Angeles police and fire officials responded to the incident shortly before 5:30 p.m. at Wilshire Boulevard above the freeway, authorities said.
LAFD crews placed an air-rescue cushion while they worked with the LAPD to get the man to surrender to authorities.
Meantime, California Highway Patrol officials closed both directions of the busy freeway, causing a massive backup in the area.
The man, who was not identified, safely surrendered to officers shortly before 6:30 p.m. and was taken into custody. All lanes of the freeway were back open.
No further information was released.