Deputies arrest Oakland man after armed road rage investigation on San Mateo County coast
San Mateo County, California – A Sunday evening drive along the San Mateo County coast turned into a criminal investigation after deputies say a road rage incident in Montara involved a firearm, erratic driving and a suspect who fled before being found a short time later.
The incident was reported on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. near Highway 1 and 2nd Avenue in Montara. According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the confrontation began as a road rage incident. During it, the suspect reportedly pointed a firearm at another driver while also speeding and driving in an unsafe manner.
By the time deputies arrived, the suspect had left the area. But the investigation did not stop there. Witnesses provided deputies with a description of the vehicle and the person involved, giving law enforcement enough information to begin narrowing the search.
Deputies then used automated license plate reader technology to help identify the vehicle connected to the incident. That information helped shift the search from a broad coastal response to a more focused effort.
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Soon afterward, deputies located the suspect in the 100 block of Beach Way in Moss Beach. The Sheriff’s Office identified him as 56-year-old Leonard Jenkins of Oakland. Jenkins, who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was taken into custody without incident.
The arrest led deputies to more evidence. During the investigation, they found separate baggies containing substances believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine. Deputies also recovered a semi-automatic firearm, ammunition, illegal fireworks and a false registration tab.
Jenkins was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on multiple charges. The listed charges include PC 245(A)(2) – Assault with a firearm, PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of a firearm and HS 11351 – Possession of a controlled substance for sale.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies still want to hear from anyone else who may have seen what happened or who may have been affected by the incident. Investigators are asking additional victims or witnesses to contact Deputy Titus at [email protected].
Anonymous tips can also be made by calling 1-800-547-2700.
