Video: Suspected drunk driver attacked by alligator while fleeing police chase

UPDATED: Jun 11, 2026 01:14 IST

A Louisiana man who tried to escape police after a reckless driving incident was attacked by an alligator in a swamp but continued running before officers finally arrested him, authorities said.

The suspect, identified by Louisiana State Police as 40-year-old Victor Rivas of Montz, allegedly fled officers twice, jumped from an elevated highway into marshland, survived an alligator attack and continued his escape attempt before law enforcement finally caught him with the help of drone technology.

Rivas was later treated for injuries to both arms and booked into jail on multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and being a fugitive from neighbouring Jefferson Parish.

According to Louisiana State Police, the incident began on Sunday after authorities received reports of a vehicle being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 in Jefferson Parish, just outside New Orleans.

Troopers said the vehicle, a Toyota Supra, struck a concrete barrier and suffered a tyre blowout before continuing down the road.

HIGHWAY CHASE ENDS IN SWAMP

Authorities later located the vehicle in nearby St. Charles Parish and conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 310.

State police said the suspect appeared impaired during the encounter and was being investigated for a possible DWI offence when he suddenly ran from officers. Instead of remaining near the roadway, he jumped from an elevated section of the interstate and landed in swampy terrain below.

The escape launched a large search effort involving Louisiana State Police and deputies from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.

According to a statement released by state police, officers eventually spotted Rivas walking along US Highway 61. But as law enforcement closed in, he reportedly ran into another swampy area in an effort to avoid arrest.

That decision led to an unexpected encounter.

"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," Louisiana State Police said.

ALLIGATOR JOINS THE PURSUIT

Video footage published by WWL Louisiana reportedly showed an alligator swimming rapidly toward the suspect and struggling with him in the water before he managed to break free. Even after suffering injuries, Rivas allegedly refused to surrender.

Kyle Wagner, a Louisiana State Police public information officer, described the persistence of the suspect during an interview with WWL.

"Even after the strike, Rivas continued to evade law enforcement and fled again," Wagner said.

After his arrest, Rivas was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being booked into custody.

State police said he faces charges that include driving while impaired and resisting an officer. Authorities also obtained warrants connected to allegations of hit-and-run and careless operation of a vehicle stemming from the earlier crash in Jefferson Parish.

While Louisiana State Police credited partner agencies and drone operators for helping bring the pursuit to an end, the unusual role played by the alligator did not go unnoticed elsewhere.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office later shared a light-hearted social media post featuring an AI-generated image of an alligator dressed as a police deputy. The fictional reptile was shown receiving a "deputy of the year" award under the name "Al E Gator."

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