Suspect in New Mexico homicide arrested in Siracusa area

St. Mary deputies patrolling the Siracusa area early Wednesday made a drug arrest that detained a man wanted in a New Mexico homicide.

Corey James Hunter, 48, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:50 a.m. Wednesday on three counts of resisting arrest or officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone, resisting an officer by giving false information, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Hunter was also named in three St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrants alleging possession of cocaine, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, driving under suspension, failure to signal when turning and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hunter was also named in an active warrant through the Albuquerque Police Department alleging murder and tampering with evidence.

In the early morning hours Wednesday, a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol sergeant and his trainee were conducting proactive patrols in the Siracusa area when they observed a man stumbling in the roadway, the Sheriff’s Office said.

As the deputies approached in a marked patrol unit, the man fled on foot and fell into a roadside ditch partially filled with water.

Deputies quickly made contact with the individual, who actively resisted and provided false information during the encounter. The subject was later positively identified as Hunter, who was found to have three active warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. During the interaction, Hunter was also found to be in possession of crack cocaine, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Due to his intoxicated condition, deputies transported Hunter to a medical facility to be medically cleared before booking. While verifying his identity, deputies received confirmation that Hunter was also wanted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for murder.

Following medical clearance, Hunter was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. His bond was set at $350,000, and a hold was placed for the out-of-state agency.

“This is a prime example of why we conduct proactive patrols in our parish,” said Sheriff Gary Driskell. “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. Their attentiveness and quick action took a dangerous individual off our streets.”

Driskell and deputies thanked officers with the Morgan City Police Department for their assistance with this arrest.