ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. (WKRC) — A man was hospitalized after fleeing from a DWI traffic stop and being attacked by an alligator on June 7.
According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police, the incident began on Interstate 310 when officers conducted a traffic stop after observing a driver operating recklessly, hitting a concrete barrier, and blowing out a tire.
Authorities identified the driver as 40-year-old Victor Rivas. During the DWI investigation, Rivas fled on foot, jumping from the elevated interstate into a nearby swamp.
Police later located Rivas in the swamp, where he fled again and was reportedly attacked by an alligator, sustaining injuries to both arms. Despite these injuries, he continued to evade law enforcement until a drone helped officers apprehend him.
Rivas was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. He was subsequently arrested and charged with Operating a Vehicle While Impaired and Resisting an Officer.
Authorities confirmed that the alligator was unharmed and has since returned to its usual habitat.