DWI Suspect Attacked by Alligator While Fleeing Authorities in Louisiana

Name: DWI Suspect Attacked by Alligator While Fleeing Authorities in Louisiana
Uploaded: 2026-06-10T07:06:30.000Z
Description: Victor Rivas, 40, of Montz, was apprehended on June 7 and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer, officials said.

Victor Rivas, 40, of Montz, was apprehended on June 7 and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer, officials said.

Audrey Simons

Published: 6/9/2026, 3:20:00 PM EDT

A Louisiana man suspected of driving while intoxicated was attacked by an alligator over the weekend after jumping into a swamp while attempting to flee authorities during a traffic stop, officials said.

On Sunday, Troopers responded to reports of a Toyota Supra driving recklessly on Interstate 10 in Jefferson Parish, striking a concrete barrier and blowing out a tire, according to a statement from the Louisiana State Police.

Troopers were later able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was traveling southbound on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish.

Officials said troopers observed signs of impairment while speaking with the driver, identified as Victor Rivas, 40, of Montz, before he fled on foot and jumped from the interstate into the swamp below.

Deputies with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office joined troopers in searching for Rivas, who was later spotted walking along U.S. Highway 61.

"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 Louisiana State Police said.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office shared body camera footage of the moment Rivas was bitten by the alligator. In the video posted on social media, he appears to be swimming across a swamp as an alligator swims toward him before thrashing can be seen in the water.

Despite being injured in the attack, officials said Rivas continued to flee authorities but was later apprehended with the help of drone technology. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment before being booked into the St. Charles Parish Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in Kollona.

Rivas is charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer. Officials said additional warrants were also obtained for hit and run and careless operation in connection with an earlier crash in Jefferson Parish.

The Louisiana State Police highlighted the dangers of impaired driving following Rivas's arrest, noting that it can lead to "serious and unpredictable consequences."

"Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, plan ahead, and always designate a sober driver," the agency said.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office also issued its own warning to drivers.

"Reminder: Don't drive impaired, don't run from deputies, and definitely don't hide in Louisiana swamps. Wildlife may just be cooperating with law enforcement," the department shared, assuring the public that the alligator was not harmed during the pursuit and has since returned to "its regular patrol of the swamp."