Driver In Hit-And-Run Spree Had 'Intention To Kill': Montco DA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Authorities have identified the man who they said aimed to kill several people he ran over around Philadelphia and into Montgomery County.

A lengthy high-speed chase finally ended early Wednesday morning in Collegeville when police arrested Kareem Welton, 40, of Philadelphia. The hourslong spree left several people hospitalized in two counties, and one person was killed, police said.

It was around 5:54 a.m. when Welton, who police said was high on both marijuana and "dissociative anesthetics" (a class of psychedelic drug), made his way into Collegeville. As he drove a stolen gray Nissan Altima west on Ridge Pike, authorities said, he drove into the opposite lane to run over a 38-year-old man who was out running.

>>Hit And Run Spree Ends in Montco With 1 Dead, Many Hurt

An officer who was on duty saw Welton speeding away and stopped to help the runner, police said. The victim, who suffered a broken spine, leg, and ribs, was airlifted to a hospital in Philadelphia. He is expected to survive.

Earlier in the evening, Welton ran over a 32-year-old woman near South and 15th streets in Philadelphia, police said. He then turned around and drove over her a second time, fatally injuring her, according to authorities.

Authorities did not say if Welton knew his victims or if they were selected at random.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said that Welton's motivations were plain.

"This defendant was not only driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed, but he intentionally targeted the runner and hit him, attempting to kill him,” Steele said in a statement. "The intention to kill and seriously injure people can be seen in the defendant’s actions throughout the night.”

Continuing down Ridge Pike, Welton eventually pulled into an Exxon gas station in Trappe, the DA's office said. He pulled a puppy from the back seat as he got out, and then tried to steal a nearby bicycle but was confronted by the owner, police said.

Authorities caught up with him shortly thereafter and arrested him without further incident.

Investigators said at least three others were injured in Welton's spree, including two who were hit on a motorcycle on Broad and Lombard streets, and another pedestrian in Manayunk.

Welton faces attempted murder and aggravated assault charges in Montgomery County, and further counts are pending in Philadelphia. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.