A freight train hit and killed a pedestrian Friday night at the corner of Fourth Street and Lincoln Highway.

The accident occurred when Brian Johnson, 37, of DeKalb stepped in front of an eastbound Union Pacific train. The train hit Johnson around 9:30 p.m.

Jonny James, DeKalb County deputy coroner, pronounced Johnson dead at the scene about 10 minutes later.

The intersection was closed for at least an hour while DeKalb police and the DeKalb County Coroner’s office investigated the scene. Traffic was rerouted during the closure and cars were backed up for several blocks.

“We can’t tell whether it was an accident or a suicide,” said DeKalb police Sgt. James McDougall.

DeKalb police spoke with at least three witnesses, including the conductor and engineer, McDougall said.

Police and the coroner’s office are investigating the incident.