A 40-year-old man was attacked by an alligator after he allegedly jumped into a swamp while trying to escape a drunk driving investigation in Louisiana, according to state police.
Authorities said the incident began on June 7 when troopers responded to reports of a Toyota Supra being driven recklessly along Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard in Jefferson Parish.
Police said the vehicle struck a concrete barrier and suffered a tyre blowout before officers later conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish, where they observed signs of impairment in the driver, identified as Victor M. Rivas.
During the investigation, Rivas allegedly fled on foot and jumped from an elevated highway into a nearby swamp in an attempt to escape arrest.
He later resurfaced and fled again when spotted by officers, entering another swampy area where he was attacked by an alligator and sustained injuries to both arms, police said.
Despite the attack, authorities stated that he continued fleeing before being tracked down and arrested with the help of drone technology.
Rivas was later taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, while officials confirmed the alligator was not harmed during the incident.
He now faces multiple charges including driving while impaired, resisting arrest, careless operation, and hit-and-run offences.
Police have since reminded motorists about the dangers of impaired driving and urged the public to make responsible decisions and plan ahead to avoid similar incidents.
