Police Search for Scotts Valley Man Suspected of Brandishing Gun at Girlfriend

Santa Cruz Police are searching for a Scotts Valley man suspected of brandishing a gun at his girlfriend during an argument outside of a bar Monday night.

According to Santa Cruz Deputy Police of Chief Steve Clark, about 8:45 p.m. Jan. 14 28-year-old Anthony Toste allegedly threatened to shoot his 20-year-old girlfriend in the parking lot in the 700 block of Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. Clark said Toste and his girlfriend got into an argument and Toste reportedly pulled a handgun out and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t get inside the car. His girlfriend ran inside a bar and called 911 while Toste fled in a vehicle.

As officers responded, Toste placed a false 911 call to report a stabbing at a McDonald's on Ocean Street.

“This was all part of a diversionary tactic by him,” Clark said.

According to Clark, Toste has a history with the Santa Cruz Police Department. He fled from officers in a stolen car a few months ago, Clark said.

Anyone with information regarding Toste’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-420-5820. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling 831-420-5995 or through their iPhone or Android apps.