ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. (WKRC) – A 40-year-old man fled a traffic stop on Interstate 310 and was injured by an alligator after jumping into a swamp on June 7.
According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police, troopers attempted to stop Victor Rivas for reckless driving; he had struck a concrete barrier and blown out a tire. Upon contact, officers suspected impairment.
During a DWI investigation, Rivas fled on foot, jumping from the elevated interstate into the swamp below. Authorities reported that he was subsequently attacked by an alligator, sustaining injuries to both arms.
Despite his injuries, Rivas continued to evade capture until located by a police drone. He was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Following his release, he was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer.
Authorities confirmed that the alligator was unharmed and returned to its environment after the incident.