He took a literal bite out of crime.
After being pulled over by police on Sunday, a suspected drunk driver in Louisiana made a desperate dash into a swamp, only to find himself face-to-face with a not-so-friendly alligator. This unexpected wildlife encounter was caught on camera.
Victor Rivas, aged 40, managed to escape the clutches of the hungry reptile, albeit with some bite marks on his arms. He continued his flight deeper into the swamp, but his freedom was short-lived. A police drone eventually located him, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook post.
“Reminder: Avoid driving under the influence, fleeing from deputies, and definitely hiding in Louisiana swamps,” the post humorously advised. “The local wildlife might just be working with law enforcement.”
Rivas was initially pulled over by Louisiana state troopers after being seen driving a Toyota erratically. Witnesses reported that he had collided with a concrete barrier and damaged a tire.
When stopped on Interstate 310, Rivas chose to flee on foot, leaping off the raised highway into the swamp below. Although troopers quickly pursued him, Rivas ventured further into the swamp where he encountered the waiting alligator, law enforcement officials said.
Bodycam footage of the encounter shows Rivas duking it out with the reptile.
“Undeterred by his injuries, Rivas continued fleeing before being located by our drone team,” the sheriff’s office said. “Drone operators communicated with deputies in the area, who apprehended Rivas as he was exiting the swamp. He was transported to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.”
Rivas was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and resisting an officer.
