Alligator Grabs Florida Man Fleeing Police

A man who fled after his vehicle was stopped by police was caught by an alligator, authorities say.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, police pulled over 20-year-old motorist Bryan Zuniga after his car was seen weaving in and out of lanes in the early hours of Thursday.

After stopping, police say Zuniga jumped out of the car and ran, breaking through a vinyl fence before disappearing.

But hours later he was located at a nearby hospital where he was being treated for multiple alligator bites.

Zuniga told authorities he was attacked by the reptile as he fled from police near a water treatment plant. He suffered puncture wounds to his face, arm and underarm.

After being released from hospital Zuniga was charged with driving on a suspended licence, resisting an officer and fleeing from law enforcement.

Footage of Zuniga taken at the Pinellas County Jail showed him with his arm in a sling and a cut on his face.

Millions of alligators are believed to live in the swamps, wetlands, rivers and lakes of Florida and neighbouring Louisiana.