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Butte County Sheriff's Office investigating after sexual assault suspect dies from self-inflicted knife wounds to throat

May 14, 2025 Updated May 14, 2025

CHICO, Calif. - Authorities are investigating the death of a Chico man following an attempted arrest in Chico Wednesday afternoon.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office says that the incident occurred Wednesday at the Chico Creek Nature Center parking lot in Bidwell Park around 3 p.m.

According to the Butte County District Attorney's Office, investigators tried to arrest 44-year-old Justin Hampson on charges of child molest and rape as part of the investigation.

Authorities say that when investigators approached, Hampson reportedly pulled a knife from his pocket and proceeded to start slashing his own throat.

To safely disarm him, an investigator fired beanbag projectiles at Hampson. Despite this, Hampson managed to flee a short distance before collapsing due to his self-inflicted injuries.

Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, and Hampson was taken to Enloe Health for treatment of his injuries.

Authorities say that Hampson was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office and Chico Police Department are investigating the incident. They urge anyone with information to contact the Butte County Sheriff's Office at (530) 538-7671.

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