So much for the "happy family" ... 'cause the son of the woman who created  "Barney & Friends" has been arrested for allegedly trying  to MURDER a 49-year-old man in Malibu.

27-year-old Patrick Leach -- son  of Barney creator Sheryl Leach -- was arrested in Agoura Hills, CA for allegedly  shooting a man in the chest on January 9 ... this according to  TheAcorn.com.

Cops say they have recovered evidence that connects Patrick  to the shooting. Cops say they are still trying to determine the motive. 

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