ST. CHARLES PARISH, Louisiana — A Louisiana man fleeing authorities after a suspected drunken driving stop ended up in a fight with an alligator before being caught by the Louisiana State Police.
Victor M. Rivas, 40, of Montz, suffered injuries to both arms after being attacked by an alligator while attempting to evade law enforcement Sunday in a swampy area of St. Charles Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.
The incident began when troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to reports of a Toyota Supra being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard in Jefferson Parish. Authorities said the vehicle had struck a concrete barrier and suffered a tire blowout.
Troopers later located the vehicle traveling south on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish and initiated a traffic stop. During the encounter, troopers observed signs of impairment and began a driving-while-intoxicated investigation.
According to state police, Rivas fled on foot and jumped from an elevated section of Interstate 310 into the swamp below.
Troopers and deputies with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office searched for Rivas and later spotted him walking along U.S. Highway 61. When officers approached, authorities said he ran again into a swampy area, where he was attacked by an alligator.
Despite the injuries, Rivas continued trying to evade capture before officers located and apprehended him with the assistance of drone technology.
Rivas was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being booked on charges of second-offense DWI and resisting an officer. Additional warrants were obtained for hit-and-run and careless operation related to the earlier crash in Jefferson Parish.
Alligators are common in rivers, bayous, ponds and wetlands. Wildlife officials routinely caution people against entering alligator habitat unnecessarily, particularly during warmer months when the reptiles are more active.
Louisiana State Police used the incident to reinforce a more common warning: impaired driving can have serious and unpredictable consequences.
Authorities urged motorists to plan ahead, designate a sober driver and avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired.
State police also thanked the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office for assisting in the search and arrest.
