A CO2 laser-gas metal arc (GMA) hybrid welding technology is used to weld the 7.0-mm-thick high strength steel. The effects of the distance between laser and arc on the weld shape, droplet transfer characteristics, probability density distribution of arc voltages and current are investigated. When the distance between the two heat sources is less than the arc plasma radius, the cross-sections are the "cocktail glass" figurate morphology. When the distance between the laser and arc is significantly greater than or approximately the same as the arc plasma radius, the cross-section of weld indicates the "cone-shaped" figurate morphology. When the laser passes through the edge of the arc plasma, the maximum effective joint area is achieved. When the distance of the two heat sources (DLA) is 2~6 mm, probability density distribution of arc current converges toward center and the range of high current and voltage is smaller, which favors the stability of the droplet transfer and hybrid welding processes.