Barbershop Owner Arrested in Oakland Shooting

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Local Barbershop Owner Arrested in New Year's Day Shooting

A barbershop owner in North Oakland has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day, marking one of the city’s first two homicides of 2026. Wesley Broach, 35, who owns Cuts by Wesley, a walk-in barbershop located near 45th and Market streets, was taken into custody and is currently jailed on suspicion of murder.

The incident took place around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when Broach shot and killed a man near his business. While police have not provided specific details about what led to the shooting, they confirmed that Broach is being held in jail as the investigation continues.

Victim Identified

Family members and acquaintances of the victim identified him to KTVU as Tariq Roddy Figueroa, a 30-year-old man known for his love of nature and gardening. He was also described as someone who cherished his nieces and nephews.

In the aftermath of the shooting, flowers and candles were placed at the location where Figueroa lost his life. A man who declined to give his name said he helps run the barbershop with Broach. He expressed his disbelief that Broach could be involved in such an act.

"Someone lost their life," the man said. "That’s what I was told coming in today." He added, "Wesley didn’t do anything like that. That’s how I feel. Me and Wes run one hell of an operation over here."

Two Homicides on New Year’s Day

Oakland recorded two homicides on New Year’s Day, with the second incident occurring earlier in the day. At approximately 11:30 a.m., a 47-year-old man was shot near East 20th Street and Foothill Boulevard in East Oakland. Witnesses reported that the victim had been riding a bicycle before the incident. He later died at a hospital.

La Ron Bell, a local resident, saw the victim’s bicycle and personal belongings lying on the ground. He expressed his frustration with the ongoing violence in the area. "Couldn’t go one day without a murder happening on New Year’s Day," Bell said. "I’m from this area, so just to see that happening right here in my neighborhood, it’s just a shame."

Jackie Wickham, another nearby resident, learned about the shooting from her son. She described the emotional impact of the event. "It’s so sad, you know. It happens all the time around here," she said. "I came outside. My son said, ‘Mom, you know someone got killed over here.’ [I] walked outside, seen all the streets blocked off, about seven or eight police cars."

City Leaders Respond

The city’s first homicide of the year occurred in the district represented by Councilmember Noel Gallo. Gallo acknowledged the recent decline in crime but emphasized the need for continued efforts to address violence in certain neighborhoods.

"The bottom line is, we did have two shootings — or two killings — so far," Gallo said. "At the end of the day, we need to be [truthful] about what happens in certain neighborhoods and deal with the crime."

Additional Information

Henry Lee, a KTVU crime reporter, covered the story and can be contacted via email at Henry.Lee@fox.com. Follow him on X @henrykleeKTVU and visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/henrykleefan.