ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. (WKRC) — A man fleeing from a traffic stop on Interstate 310 on June 7 jumped into a swamp, where he was attacked by an alligator.
According to the ST. CHARLES PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE and LOUISIANA STATE POLICE, the incident began when state troopers attempted a traffic stop due to reckless driving. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Victor Rivas, struck a concrete barrier and blew out a tire.
During the investigation, authorities suspected impairment. Rivas fled on foot, leaping from the elevated interstate into the swamp below. After being located, he fled further, where he was attacked by an alligator, sustaining injuries to both arms.
Despite his injuries, Rivas continued to evade capture until he was found using a drone. He was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries, then arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer.
The alligator involved was reported unharmed and has returned to its normal habitat, authorities confirmed.