Eureka Man Facing Active Felony Child Sex Abuse Charges Dies by Suicide After High-Speed Chase in Shasta County

A 62-year-old Eureka man wanted in an active Humboldt County child sex abuse investigation died early Saturday morning after leading Redding police on a high-speed pursuit through Shasta County that ended with him taking his own life.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Adam James Bean IV, also known locally as Joe Bean. He was associated with Z&J’s Asian Subs in Eureka.

Redding police attempted to stop Bean’s vehicle around 1:51 a.m. Saturday near the Interstate 5 and Highway 299 interchange for suspected DUI and vehicle code violations. Bean refused to stop and fled at speeds reaching up to 140 mph. The pursuit headed north on I-5 through the Mountain Gate area before looping back south and exiting into the City of Shasta Lake.

The chase ended when Bean pulled over on Cascade Boulevard near Shasta Dam Boulevard. As officers approached, Bean exited his vehicle holding a handgun and shot himself in the head. Officers immediately rendered aid, but Bean was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or members of the public were injured.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jesse Taylor confirmed the agency had an active felony case against Bean under California Penal Code 288 (lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14). Bean’s concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit — originally issued by Humboldt County — was suspended as soon as the allegations surfaced. He was aware he was under investigation at the time of the incident.

Bean had previously served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army during the early 1980s.

Redding Police Department is investigating the pursuit itself, while the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office continues to handle the ongoing child sex abuse case.

No photos or video footage of the chase or incident scene have been released by law enforcement as of this writing. Dashcam or bodycam video, if any, has not been made public pending the investigation.

Anyone with information related to the Humboldt County child sex abuse case is urged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 442-7251.

This incident marks yet another high-speed pursuit ending in tragedy in the North State. Redding and Shasta County authorities have faced increased scrutiny in recent years over vehicle pursuit policies amid public safety concerns.

Sources: Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Redding Police Department, and reporting by Kym Kemp / Redheaded Blackbelt.