A man police have not been able to identify stood on the railroad tracks south of city hall Saturday afternoon and allowed a train to strike him from behind.

The man who appreared to be about 50 years old had long hair, and a scruffy appearance. He has been seen from time to time at What-a-burger and at Stripes Convenience Store.

Police investigator David Robles said that some people have told him that the man went by the nickname of "Mike" and that he had a tatoo on his upper arm. An autopsy performed at Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, revealed that the man had knee surgery at one time and that his knee was repairedwith metal screws.

Robeles said that he was told the man sometimes slept in the front courtyard of the First Methodist Church but he has not be able to confirm that information.

A Union Pacific freight headed south toward Harlingen struck the victim about 4:44 p.m. and he died at the hospital at 7:45 p.m. the same day.

A witness said that the victim had his back to the train and his hands lifted above his head and that it appeared almost like he was exercising, "doing jumping jacks".

Police recovered fingerprints and are trying to learn the man's identity from a data base but without a birthdate they have been unable to check out a rumor that he was from New York State.