Alligator attacks fleeing DWI suspect in Louisiana swamp

A Louisiana man suspected of impaired driving was attacked by an alligator after he twice fled police and jumped into swampy water during a pursuit near New Orleans, authorities said.

Victor Rivas, 40, was arrested Sunday after a chase that began with reports of a Toyota being driven recklessly off Interstate 10 in Jefferson Parish, according to Louisiana State Police. Authorities said Rivas struck a concrete barrier and blew out a tire on the Toyota Supra he was driving, then continued on the road.

Troopers later stopped the vehicle on Interstate 310 in neighboring St. Charles Parish. During the stop, police said, troopers “observed signs of impairment” and began a driving while impaired investigation.

Rivas then ran from the scene, jumping from an elevated section of the interstate into a swamp below, state police said. Troopers and St. Charles Parish sheriff’s deputies searched the area and later spotted him walking along U.S. Highway 61.

When officers approached him again, Rivas fled into another swampy area. This time, authorities said, an alligator emerged from the water and attacked him, injuring both of his arms.

Deputy body-worn camera video shared online by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office showed the encounter from a distance. In the footage, the alligator and Rivas can be seen thrashing near the bank of the swamp for about 30 seconds.

“Troopers and deputies with the St Charles parish sheriff’s office began searching for Rivas, who was later spotted walking along US highway 61,” state police said in a statement quoted by The Guardian. “When law enforcement approached, he fled again into a swampy area, where he was attacked by an alligator and sustained injuries to both arms. Despite his injuries, Rivas continued fleeing before being located and apprehended with the assistance of drone technology.”

Kyle Wagner, a Louisiana State Police public information officer, told WWL Louisiana that the attack did not end the pursuit.

“Even after the strike, Rivas continued to evade law enforcement and fled again,” Wagner said. “We had to wait for him to pop out the woodline to make that apprehension.”

Authorities said drones were used to find Rivas before he was taken into custody. He first received treatment at a hospital, and the sheriff’s office said his injuries were not considered life-threatening. The Guardian reported that Rivas was released after treatment at a local hospital.

Rivas was booked at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center on charges of driving while impaired and resisting an officer, according to the St. Charles Parish sheriff. State police said they also obtained warrants for additional charges tied to the earlier crash, including hit and run and careless operation of a vehicle.

The State Police statement thanked law enforcement partners for helping bring the arrest “to a successful resolution.” The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office also posted an AI-generated image of an alligator in a police uniform receiving a “deputy of the year” plaque bearing the name “Al E Gator,” The Guardian reported.

“Impaired driving can lead to serious and unpredictable consequences,” state police said. “Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, plan ahead, and always designate a sober driver.”