How A DWI Suspect's Flight Led To A Gator Scuffle In Louisiana

The phrase "Only in Louisiana" could be applied to numerous things. Louisiana is just different from anywhere else - from the food we eat to the way we talk...there's nowhere in the world quite like it. There's also nowhere else in the world where a simple traffic stop could turn into a fight with an alligator. But, here we are.

According to the Louisiana State Police, a DWI traffic stop turned into something much more harrowing - including the suspect wrestling with an alligator. This isn't AI. This isn't a fantasy. This is a legit story that might be the most Louisiana tale I've heard in a while.

LSP got reports of a car being driven recklessly on I-10 in Jefferson Parish. Troopers say the car collided with a concrete barrier and sustained a tire blow out. Eventually, they caught up with the white Supra on I-310 in St. Charles Parish and got him to pull over. While conducting the DWI investigation, Rivas fled on foot...and this is where things get interesting.

Rivas jumped off of I-310 into the swamp. While running and hiding from police, he eventually was attacked by an alligator and suffered injuries to both arms. Despite the battle wounds from the alligator, Rivas kept running from troopers. Eventually, he was captured with the help of drone technology.

On top of being injured, he's facing a long list of charges including DWI, resisting an officer, hit & run, and careless operation.

I feel like there's a valuable lesson for all of us in Louisiana to take away from this story: Don't drink & drive. And don't EVER run from the police or else an alligator might try to turn you into a midnight snack.