Louisiana driver injured after alligator attack during police chase following DWI stop
Authorities say the suspect jumped into a swamp while attempting to evade law enforcement
A 40-year-old man was attacked by an alligator after fleeing a DWI investigation and jumping into a swamp during a traffic stop in Louisiana, according to the Louisiana State Police.
Authorities identified the suspect as Victor M. Rivas, who was later apprehended and hospitalized following the incident, which unfolded on June 7 across multiple locations in Jefferson and St. Charles Parishes.
The sequence of events began when troopers responded to reports of a Toyota Supra driving recklessly on Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard, where the vehicle reportedly struck a concrete barrier and suffered a tire blowout.
Police later conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish after observing the vehicle traveling southbound.
During the interaction, troopers said they noticed signs of impairment consistent with a DWI investigation.
According to the Louisiana State Police, Rivas fled on foot during the investigation, jumping from an elevated section of the highway into a nearby swamp.
He was later spotted walking along U.S. Highway 61 but fled again when officers attempted to approach him, authorities said.
“When law enforcement approached, he fled again into a swampy area, where he was attacked by an alligator and sustained injuries to both arms,” the agency stated.
Despite his injuries, Rivas reportedly continued running before being tracked down and located with the assistance of drone technology, according to police.
He was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed the alligator was not harmed during the incident.
Rivas now faces multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while impaired, resisting an officer, hit-and-run, and careless operation, according to law enforcement officials.
Louisiana State Police emphasized the dangers of impaired driving in a statement following the incident.
“Impaired driving can lead to serious and unpredictable consequences,” the agency said, urging motorists to plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
