A report of reckless driving in Metairie ended with a DWI suspect being treated for alligator bites.
Louisiana State Police Troop B says it received reports Sunday of a Toyota Supra being driven recklessly on I-10 near Bonnabel Boulevard. The sports car hit a concrete barrier and sustained a tire blowout.
A short time later, troopers found the vehicle headed south on I-310 in St. Charles Parish. Troopers pulled the driver over and say they noticed signs of impairment.
While talking with the driver, identified as 40-year-old Victor Rivas of Montz, Louisiana, troopers say Rivas bolted and jumped off the elevated highway into the marsh below.
Troopers and St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office deputies then found Rivas walking along Airline Hwy., and when they approach, say he fled again into the swamp.
"At that time, Rivas fled into the marsh again and attempted to swim across the canal where he was attacked by an alligator," said Trooper Kyle Wagner, who said Rivas continued to flee: "Even after getting attacked by an alligator he continued to evade arrest."
Eventually, the man emerged from the swamp and troopers and deputies were able to take him into custody.
After being treated for the alligator attack, troopers booked Rivas on charges of driving while intoxicated and resisting an officer. Police also obtained warrants for hit and run and reckless operation in connection with the crash in Jefferson Parish.
