On Sunday, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to reports of a Toyota Supra being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 near Bonnabel Boulevard in Jefferson Parish. The vehicle had also struck a concrete barrier and sustained a tire blowout.
Troopers later located the Supra traveling south on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, identified as 40-year-old Victor Rivas of Montz, Troopers observed signs of impairment. During the DWI investigation, Rivas fled on foot and jumped from the elevated portion of Interstate 310 into the swamp below.
Troopers and deputies with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office began 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. Despite his injuries, Rivas continued fleeing before being located and apprehended with the assistance of drone technology.
Rivas was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later charged with DWI and Resisting an Officer. Additional warrants were obtained for Hit and Run and Careless Operation in connection with the earlier crash in Jefferson Parish.
Impaired driving can lead to serious and unpredictable consequences. Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, plan ahead, and always designate a sober driver.