- Victor Rivas, 40, was arrested after fleeing police and jumping into a swamp during a DWI investigation.
- During his escape, Rivas was attacked by an alligator, suffering injuries to both arms.
- He was later apprehended and booked on multiple charges, including hit-and-run and reckless driving.
ST. CHARLES PARISH, LOUISIANA — Days after a Louisiana babysitter was arrested after a toddler drowned in a pool at an in-home daycare, another unusual case in the state has ended with an arrest. This time, police said a man trying to escape a DWI investigation jumped into a swamp, where he was attacked by an alligator before still trying to run.
Victor Rivas, 40, is accused of operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer, according to Louisiana authorities.
Reckless Driving Report
The incident began on June 7, when state troopers received reports of a Toyota Supra being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard in Jefferson Parish.
Authorities said the vehicle had already struck a concrete barrier and suffered a blown tire.
Troopers later found the Supra traveling southbound on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish and conducted a traffic stop.
According to Louisiana State Police, Rivas was behind the wheel.
Jumped Into Swamp
During the DWI investigation, troopers said they noticed signs of impairment.
Police said Rivas then fled on foot and jumped from the elevated portion of Interstate 310 into the swamp below.
Troopers contacted the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and deputies joined the search.
Authorities later found Rivas walking along U.S. Highway 61.
Alligator Attack
When deputies approached him, police said Rivas ran again into another swampy area.
That is when authorities said an alligator attacked him.
The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office said Rivas suffered injuries to both arms, but even that did not stop him from continuing to flee.
Drone operators helped guide deputies to his location, and Rivas was eventually arrested as he exited the swamp.
Arrest and Charges
Rivas was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
After treatment, he was booked into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.
Louisiana State Police said he was also served with warrants for hit-and-run and careless operation in connection with the earlier crash in Jefferson Parish.
The sheriff’s office later joked that the alligator was not injured and had returned to its “regular patrol” of the swamp.
Authorities used the case as a warning against impaired driving and running from police, especially in Louisiana swamp country.
To view more strange cases involving suspects trying to escape arrest, check out our video here:
