MORGAN CITY, La. (NEWS 15) — A man was arrested in Morgan City after deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered he was wanted for murder in New Mexico.

Corey Hunter, 48, was taken into custody in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 28, following a late-night patrol.

In addition to the arrest warrant from the Albuquerque Police Department for murder and tampering with evidence, Hunter was arrested on charges of resisting arrest or officer (3 counts), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS (drug-free zone), transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, resisting an officer by giving false information, disturbing the peace-intoxicated, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Authorities noted he also had warrants with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office on charges of possession of cocaine, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, driving under suspension, failure to signal when turning, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is set at $350,000 but there is a hold on him for the warrant out of New Mexico.

Deputies said Hunter was seen stumbling in the Siracusa area and chased him after he ran into a roadside ditch partially filled with water. They added he was quickly caught and despite providing false information, he was identified and found with crack cocaine.

Sheriff Gary Driskell highlighted the importance of proactive patrols.

“These deputies, actively watching our neighborhoods, spotted an intoxicated man who looked to be a danger to himself, but turned out to be a suspect with a warrant for murder,” Sheriff Driskell said.

Sheriff Driskell thanked the Morgan City Police Department for their assistance in the arrest.