A Richmond barber who owns a neighborhood shop on San Pablo Avenue is now facing a long list of charges after prosecutors say a night out ended with him stepping away from his Jeep and opening fire on a car carrying his ex-girlfriend and two of her friends.
Leon Brown, 44, was arrested and charged after the Nov. 23, 2025 incident, when, according to court filings and police reports, he allegedly fired at the idling car during a night on the town. None of the three women inside was hit, but the documents describe a chaotic and violent scene that has now left Brown staring down multiple firearm and drug counts.
Richmond police say the trouble started at a 14th Street bar, where Brown was kicked out before the shooting. Investigators allege he violated a restraining order by speaking with his ex-girlfriend, then later tracked him to an Oakland apartment where he was arrested on Dec. 17, 2025. Officers say a search of that apartment turned up two pistol magazines and baggies of suspected cocaine that appeared packaged for sale.
Court filings show Brown pleaded not guilty on Dec. 19, 2025, to a 13-count complaint. The case includes three counts of assault with a firearm, several weapons-possession charges, and a misdemeanor sexual battery allegation accusing him of slapping one woman’s buttocks at the bar. A judge rejected a defense request to release him without bail and instead set bail at $420,000. Brown is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 22, according to reporting from The Mercury News.
Legal Implications
Court records note that Brown has a prior felony gun conviction in Contra Costa County, a status that typically makes later firearm possession a separate and serious felony under California law. State rules described in legal references say people with felony convictions are generally barred from owning or possessing guns, and that prosecutors can also charge related counts for ammunition or magazines even without proof that a shooting occurred, with felony-level penalties possible if there is a conviction.
As outlined by Shouse Law Group, felony convictions under these statutes can mean years in prison along with long-term loss of firearm rights.
Shop And Local Context
Business listings identify Brown as the owner of The Fadeaway Barbershop, a small shop at 12871 San Pablo Ave in Richmond. The Fadeaway Barbershop is listed in multiple online directories and has been recognized as a local fixture.
Officials and neighbors did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Brown’s arrest or the charges he is facing. The case remains active in county court, with another appearance set for Jan. 22, when prosecutors will decide whether to move ahead on the full 13-count complaint as pretrial hearings continue.
