Attempted murder suspect arrested

Police arrested an attempted murder suspect in Vista on Tuesday, eight hours after he went on the run.

Kenneth Wayne Welch, 42, allegedly beat his girlfriend, then left the scene in his pickup truck with their 5-month-old son. Welch left the unharmed child with a relative.

Welch’s girlfriend said that he hit her on the head and tried to run her over with his truck. Luckily, the girl’s injuries were not life-threatening.

After spotting a police car, Welch crashed his truck on Mar Vista Drive and attempted to run, but gave up and surrendered to the deputies.

Welch has a criminal record that includes prison time for robbery, domestic violence and vehicle theft.