Troopers later located the damaged Supra traveling south on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish and initiated a traffic stop.

While speaking with Rivas, troopers allegedly observed “signs of impairment.” During the DWI investigation, Rivas allegedly ran from officers 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 and later spotted him walking along U.S. Highway 61. Authorities said that when officers approached, Rivas allegedly fled a second time into a swampy area.

Video shared by St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office appears to show Rivas swimming toward the edge of the swamp while an alligator trailed after him and eventually attacked him.

While running through the swamp, Rivas was attacked by an alligator and suffered injuries to both arms, state police said. Despite those injuries, authorities said he continued trying to evade officers before he was eventually located and taken into custody.

Rivas was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was later booked on charges of DWI (second offense) and resisting an officer. Police also obtained additional warrants charging him with hit-and-run and careless operation in connection with the earlier crash in Jefferson Parish.