Redlands man convicted of murder, shooting deputy in Oak Hills during crime spree

A Redlands man who authorities said went on a crime spree in 2017 that included a callous killing and shooting a sheriff’s deputy in Oak Hills was found guilty on several charges.

Kenneth Scott Welch, 42, was convicted after a trial last month of first-degree murder, attempted murder of a police officer, two counts of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle and robbery.

A jury also found true on June 8 allegations that he discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury and that he was a felon in possession of a firearm.

Welch is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 5. He could face life in prison without the possibility of parole, authorities said.

“The random acts of violence perpetrated by this defendant throughout our county were abhorrent,” said Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, the prosecutor in the case. “Former Deputy Higgins’ bravery and courage in the face of danger was remarkable and likely saved lives. I am thankful the jurors saw through the defendant’s testimony and delivered justice to the victims of these tragedies.”

'Callous disregard to human life'

The crime spree started on March 14, 2017, on Interstate 210 in the Rialto area, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials said that’s when Welch pulled up next to a vehicle traveling westbound and fired a gun into the rear passenger side, striking a man in the leg.

Welch then exited the freeway and entered the eastbound side. He pulled up to a different motorist and opened fire four times, striking a man in the arm, before driving home.

At about 10 a.m. the next day, prosecutors said Welch followed a motorist exiting the 210 freeway in Highland. The man was 48-year-old Mario Anthony Figueroa who had just dropped his nephew off at work, according to a Daily Press report.

Figueroa realized he was being followed and pulled over. When he exited his vehicle, Welch pulled up near him.

“The two spoke for approximately 30 seconds before the Welch fired a single shot at Mr. Figueroa’s head, killing him instantly,” the District Attorney’s Office said. “With callous disregard to human life, Welch left Mr. Figueroa lying deceased on the side of the road.”

Later that night at about 11:15 p.m., Welch drove to the Chevron gas station on the corner of Ranchero Road and Escondido Avenue.

He took several items and began to walk out of the station’s store without paying when a clerk tried to stop him. Welch threatened and punched the clerk who then called 911 as Welch fled.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Higgins responded that night. He interviewed the clerk and watched surveillance video which showed Welch and his vehicle.

As Higgins began to drive away, he saw Welch pull back into the parking lot. The deputy approached the vehicle and told Welch to get out of the car but Welch refused.

As Higgins deployed pepper spray, Welch pulled out a firearm and shot at Higgins several times at close range. One shot struck the deputy in his side but hit his protective vest.

Officials later said Higgins’ life was saved by the bulletproof garment. Welch fired several more times, almost striking the deputy again, before fleeing.

Higgins began to chase him on Escondido Avenue but later pulled over to request medical aid.

Detectives arrested Welch the next day at his home in Redlands. Authorities said he was armed with a “fully loaded and customized Glock 17 firearm” when taken into custody.

Although Welch initially denied being involved in the various crimes, he reportedly later confessed.

Various motives for shootings

Welch made several “odd statements” as to why he shot the motorists, Figueroa and the deputy, according to authorities.

“He stated that he believed the motorists on the freeway were harming women and that they had signaled him for help,” the District Attorney’s Office said. “He also stated that the murder victim had been waiving to him to follow him and that ‘a lot of strange things have been happening right now.’”

Welch also said he went to the Chevron because he believed he was the victim of identity theft there and believed Higgins was actually a civilian dressed as a police officer which is why he refused commands and opened fire.

During the trial, Welch’s attorney called on a psychologist who said Welch suffered from various mental disorders and methamphetamine-induced disorders.

Welch testified he had been high on the drug each day of the crime spree which was confirmed via a blood test, prosecutors said.

On cross examination, Welch also said he played video games while high on methamphetamine and would intentionally kill other characters — testimony prosecutors appeared to use to establish his culpability.

“Thus, he admitted he was capable of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder while high, and in the mental state he was in at the time of the crimes,” the District Attorney’s Office said.

Daily Press reporter Martin Estacio may be reached at 760-955-5358 or MEstacio@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_mestacio.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Redlands man convicted of murder, shooting deputy in Oak Hills