Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested With Loaded Gun

Randy Lewthwaite, 35 years old from Santa Cruz

On Thursday 6/8/17 at approximately 8:40 pm, Santa Cruz Police Department Officers arrested 35-year-old Randy Lewthwaite of Santa Cruz for a domestic violence incident that occurred earlier in the day. The suspect had gotten into a fight with a female victim earlier in his home. The victim, 31 years old, reported that Randy Lewthwaite punched her in the head with brass knuckles. She sustained a bruise on the side of her temple.

The investigating officer received information that the suspect was carrying a loaded firearm. The investigation also revealed a misdemeanor warrant for Mr. Lewthwaite’s  arrest.

The SCPD patrol team on the swing shift were on the lookout for the suspect. A sharp-eyed officer located Mr. Lewthwaite walking on Washburn Avenue.  The patrol team quickly detained him. Santa Cruz Police recovered a .22 caliber handgun hidden in Lewthwaite’s front waistband.

The High Standard Dura-Matic handgun had a .22 caliber hollow-point round in the chamber. The weapon's magazine had ten additional .22 hollow-point rounds in it.

Mr. Lewthwaite was booked into jail for (1) Assault with a deadly weapon, (2) Inflict Injury on Cohabitant, and (3) Carrying a concealed weapon.

Outstanding work by SCPD Patrol Team!

What To Do If You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
1. Call 911 and report the incident.
2. Go to a safe place such as a domestic violence shelter.
3. If necessary, seek medical attention. Any injuries should be documented and photographed.
4. Find the support of caring people. Tell someone you trust about the abuse.
REMEMBER: You are not alone. Help is available.