ST. CHARLES PARISH, LA - Just about every police officer walking the beat has had to chase a fleeing suspect. In most cases, the police are able to apprehend the suspect with relative ease. Every now and again, a good Samaritan steps in to help.
But on this extremely rare occasion in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, Mother Nature decided to get involved to slow down a suspect.
It was reported that Victor Rivas, 40, was fleeing from the cops and jumped into a swamp, where he was immediately attacked by an aggressive alligator, suffering significant arm injuries.
The incident started after law enforcement received reports from witnesses of a Toyota Supra driving recklessly on nearby Interstate 10, a main thoroughfare that cuts across the southern states.
Louisiana State Police caught up to the Toyota and initiated a stop. It was reported that troopers immediately determined Rivas was impaired and began their DUI procedures. During the trooper’s investigation, Rivas, who clearly showed signs of being impaired, tried to run for it and jumped over a nearby barrier towards a swamp, authorities reported.
It was also later determined that Rivas was driving on a flat tire and had previously hit a concrete barrier before being pulled over, an indicator of possibly being severely impaired.
The swamp incident was captured on the responding officer’s body-worn camera and released to the public. The footage shows the alligator thrashing around a shallow pond, chomping away at the suspect, which led to his arm injuries.
The officer at the scene wisely held off from entering the water, but that gave Rivas the chance to escape.
“Even after the strike, Rivas continued to evade law enforcement and fled again, and we had to wait for him to pop out the wood line to make that apprehension,” a law enforcement official told local media.
Rivas was then taken to a local hospital for treatment and is now facing charges, including DWI and resisting an officer. According to state police, Rivas had warrants for his arrest related to the earlier-mentioned crash.
"Impaired driving can lead to serious and unpredictable consequences," state police said. "Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, plan ahead, and always designate a sober driver."
Words of wisdom.
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
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