A Louisiana man accused of running from a DWI investigation ended up being attacked by an alligator after he jumped into a swamp to get away from police, authorities said.
Victor M. Rivas, 40, was arrested after a bizarre chain of events that began on June 7, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B said they received reports of a Toyota Supra driving recklessly on Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard in Jefferson Parish.
Authorities said the vehicle had also hit a concrete barrier and suffered a tire blowout.
Troopers later spotted the Supra traveling south on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish and pulled it over.
As they spoke with Rivas, police said they noticed signs of impairment and began a DWI investigation.
That is when Rivas allegedly took off.
According to state police, Rivas ran from troopers and jumped from the elevated portion of Interstate 310 into a nearby swamp.
Troopers searched the area with help from deputies from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. Rivas was later spotted walking along U.S. Highway 61.
But when law enforcement approached him, police said he ran again into a swampy area.
This time, his escape attempt took an even more dangerous turn.
Authorities said Rivas was attacked by an alligator and suffered injuries to both arms.
Even after the attack, police said Rivas kept trying to flee.
He was eventually found and arrested with the help of drone technology.
Rivas was taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said the alligator was not injured.
Rivas was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer, according to authorities and jail records.
Louisiana State Police also confirmed he faces charges of hit-and-run and careless operation.
State police used the wild case to warn drivers about the risks of impaired driving.
“Impaired driving can lead to serious and unpredictable consequences,” the agency said. “Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, plan ahead, and always designate a sober driver.”
Louisiana State Police also thanked the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office for its help in bringing the incident to an end.
Glad the alligator helped to catch him