St. Charles Parish, Louisiana – A suspected drunk driver who fled a traffic stop was bitten by an alligator after running into a swamp during a police pursuit on Sunday, before being tracked down and arrested with the help of a drone.

Authorities said Victor Rivas, 40, was pulled over after allegedly driving a Toyota recklessly. Witnesses reported the vehicle struck a concrete barrier and blew out a tire before the stop on Interstate 310.

After the vehicle was stopped, Rivas ran from officers and jumped off the elevated highway into a nearby swamp.

Troopers followed him into the swamp area, where he was bitten by an alligator during the escape attempt. Body camera footage captured the encounter between Rivas and the animal.

Officials said Rivas managed to break free despite injuries to his arms and continued fleeing deeper into the swamp.

Law enforcement then deployed a drone to locate him. The sheriff’s office said drone operators tracked him and guided deputies on the ground toward his position.

He was located as he exited the swamp and taken into custody by deputies. Rivas was later transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities warned against impaired driving and fleeing from police, highlighting the dangers of entering Louisiana swamps due to wildlife.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download