Hero Alligator Attacks Fleeing DWI Suspect, Slowing Him Down For The Arrest

McGruff the Crime Dog is not the only critter who can take a bite out of crime. Police received assistance from an alligator while tracking and apprehending a person who fled a traffic stop, reports NBC News. This may occasionally appear to be a “Florida man” story, nevertheless it actually took place in Louisiana, one other popular home for the traditional reptiles.

State police received reports of a Toyota Supra driving recklessly on Interstate 10 west of Latest Orleans. Witnesses said it had crashed into the concrete barrier and had a flat tire, which is a terrible solution to treat such a legendary automobile. Troopers caught up with the Supra on Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish, based on the Latest York Times, and made a traffic stop. The driving force, Victor Rivas, allegedly showed signs of impairment and fled when troopers tried to arrest him.

Those that have not traveled across southern Louisiana won’t realize that fleeing is not so simple as running away from the highway. The areas near most Louisiana highways are quite swampy, so highways are elevated on what are essentially low bridges for miles and miles across the swamp. That implies that when Rivas fled from police, he jumped off the elevated highway and essentially right into the swamp, where creatures like snakes, wild hogs, and alligators live.

Deputies were unwilling to enter the swamp themselves, fully aware of the hazards waiting for them there. Fortunately for them, certainly one of those hazards turned out to be on their side. 

“That is when an alligator joined the law enforcement team and tried to persuade Rivas that surrendering was the higher option, but he thought otherwise,” said the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post. “Rivas was attacked by the alligator and sustained injuries to each of his arms.” By some means, Rivas was undeterred by the alligator attack and kept running. Deputies brought in drones to go looking for and locate Rivas. He finally surrendered to authorities and was treated for non-life-threatening injures from his alligator encounter. In response to the Sheriff’s office, “The alligator was not injured and has since returned to its regular patrol of the swamp.”

The sheriff’s office has had a little bit of fun with this story, posting some obviously AI-generated images to Facebook featuring Deputy Al E Gator. In certainly one of them, he receives a Deputy of the 12 months award from Sheriff Greg Champagne “For Outstanding Service and Dedication.”

Reminder: Don’t drive impaired, don’t run from deputies, and definitely don’t hide in Louisiana swamps. Wildlife may be cooperating with law enforcement.

Deputy Al E Gator and his three million pals are on patrol. It’s good to know they’re on our side now, quite than peacefully protesting by blocking traffic or sleeping under airplanes.