Daijiworld Media Network – Louisiana
Louisiana, Jun 9: A man wanted on suspicion of reckless and impaired driving in the US state of Louisiana was attacked by an alligator while attempting to evade police but continued to flee before eventually being arrested with the help of drone technology, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Victor Rivas, 40, sustained injuries to his arms during the alligator attack and was treated at a hospital before being booked into jail.
According to the Louisiana State Police, Rivas faces allegations of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and being a fugitive from neighbouring Jefferson Parish. He was also wanted on warrants related to hit-and-run and careless driving offences.
Rivas, a resident of Montz, is being held at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center with a bond set at $17,500.
The dramatic chase began on Sunday after police received reports of a vehicle being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 in Jefferson Parish, west of New Orleans.
Authorities said the vehicle, a Toyota Supra, struck a concrete barrier and suffered a tyre blowout. Troopers later located the car in neighbouring St. Charles Parish and conducted a traffic stop.
During the encounter, officers allegedly observed signs of impairment and began investigating a possible drunk-driving offence. However, Rivas fled before he could be taken into custody.
Police said he jumped from an elevated section of Interstate 310 and landed in swampy terrain below. Officers later located him walking along Highway 61, but he fled again into another marshy area.
It was during this second escape attempt that Rivas was attacked by an alligator, suffering injuries to both arms. Despite the attack, authorities said he continued running from law enforcement.
The pursuit finally came to an end when police used drone technology to track his movements and take him into custody.
State police said the unusual incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving, warning that such behaviour can lead to serious and unpredictable consequences.