A 68-year-old Alabama man wanted in connection with a homicide investigation has been arrested in Perry County, according to the Perry County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were called to a residence in the Buck Creek community on Sept. 21, 2026, after receiving a report about a suspicious man who had recently moved into the area. The caller said the man was believed to be from Alabama, may have been using an alias and could potentially be hiding in Perry County to avoid arrest. At the time, authorities said that information had not been confirmed.
When deputies arrived at the residence, the man, later identified as Comer McWaters, 68, fled into the woods.
Deputies searched the surrounding area throughout the day but were unable to locate McWaters.
Later that evening, Perry County Sheriff Jacob Garner was visiting his mother at her residence in the Buck Creek community when he saw a man emerge from the woods and walk onto the private drive near the home.
Garner recognized the man as matching the description deputies had provided earlier and attempted to make contact with him.
According to the sheriff’s department, McWaters became combative and aggressive during the encounter and was armed with two large knives.
A physical struggle followed. The sheriff’s department said Garner was able to disarm McWaters and take him into custody.
At the time of the arrest, Garner did not know why McWaters was resisting so strongly. Authorities said the reason became clear after McWaters’ identity was confirmed.
A few days after the arrest and identification, authorities confirmed McWaters was wanted in Alabama by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office in connection with a homicide investigation.
Alabama authorities advised that McWaters is wanted in connection with the murder of a woman in Alabama. Officials have not released additional details about the homicide, and the investigation remains ongoing.
McWaters is currently being held in Perry County pending extradition to Alabama. Authorities said he will be held without bond following his extradition.
Sheriff Garner credited communication with residents, investigative work and officers’ awareness of activity within the community for helping lead to McWaters’ arrest.
“The Perry County Sheriff’s Department will continue working with local, state, and federal law-enforcement agencies to locate wanted individuals and protect the citizens of Perry County,” Garner said.
This is a developing story. More information is expected to be released by local authorities.
