ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. (WKRC) – A 40-year-old man was hospitalized after fleeing a traffic stop on Interstate 310 and being attacked by an alligator on June 7.
According to authorities, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop when Victor Rivas was observed driving recklessly, striking a concrete barrier, and blowing out a tire. Officers suspected impairment during their investigation.
Rivas fled on foot, jumping from an elevated section of the interstate into a swamp. He was later found in the swamp, where he was attacked by an alligator, sustaining injuries to both arms.
Despite his injuries, Rivas continued to evade police until he was located with a drone and apprehended. Authorities confirmed he was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries and later arrested on charges of operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer.
The alligator involved in the incident was unharmed and has returned to its habitat, officials reported.