Louisiana DWI suspect attacked by alligator while fleeing

A Louisiana man was attacked by an alligator while attempting to flee law enforcement during a driving while impaired investigation on Sunday, June 7, according to state and local authorities. The suspect, 40-year-old Victor Rivas of Montz, sustained non-life-threatening injuries to both arms before being apprehended.

The incident began when Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to reports of a Toyota Supra being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 in Jefferson Parish. Authorities said the vehicle had struck a concrete barrier near Bonnabel Boulevard, causing a tire blowout. Troopers later located the damaged vehicle traveling south on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish and conducted a traffic stop.

While speaking with Rivas, troopers observed signs of impairment and initiated a DWI investigation. At that point, Rivas allegedly fled on foot and jumped from the elevated portion of the interstate into a swamp below. A search involving troopers and deputies from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office ensued.

A short time later, Rivas was spotted walking along U.S. Highway 61, also known as Airline Highway. When deputies approached, he allegedly fled a second time into another...