Denzel Washington called 'good Samaritan' after coming to aid of distressed man

A representative for Washington told CNN the actor pulled over to help a man he saw in "the middle of a busy intersection" because he was in "danger of being struck by oncoming traffic."

Washington arrived on the scene before police, according to his representative. Video of an encounter between Washington, the distressed man and Los Angeles Police was captured by a bystander and posted on Twitter by former NBA player Rex Chapman.

In the video, Washington is seen speaking with two police officers and the man, whose hands appeared to be briefly held behind his back as police frisked him.

An LAPD officer, who was on the scene, spoke to the bystander about what happened and commended Washington, calling him a "good Samaritan."

"We intervened, spoke with the individual and determined that he did not want to harm himself or others, and he was on his way, and Denzel left," the officer said. "Denzel provided him a mask to protect himself from the environment and that was good. So Denzel helped us today."

The officer said they were told that Washington was driving down the road and pulled over out of concern for the man when he saw him in the street.

CNN has reached out to LAPD for further comment.