Two U.S. Forest Service employees were zip-tied and held captive for over 15 hours inside a remote trailer near Mount Shasta by a father and son who demanded FBI contact, authorities announced Friday.

Father And Son Face Federal Kidnapping Charges

Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and his son Phoenix Henrichsen allegedly took the two federal workers hostage inside a trailer in a rural area near Gumboot Lake in northern California’s Shasta Trinity National Forest. The elder Henrichsen restrained both victims with zip ties before demanding to speak with federal authorities. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced both suspects will face criminal complaints for kidnapping a federal employee under federal law.

A Forest Service employee contacted authorities Thursday morning shortly before 11 a.m. to report the kidnapping. The FBI deployed a specialized hostage negotiator from Quantico, Virginia, to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies. After hours of tense negotiations, authorities secured the release of the first hostage at 1:50 a.m. Friday, followed by the second victim just 15 minutes later. Both alleged kidnappers surrendered to FBI agents at 2:30 a.m., ending the 15-hour ordeal.

Motive Remains Unknown As Investigation Continues

Federal investigators have not determined why the Henrichsens targeted the Forest Service workers or what prompted their demand to speak with the FBI. The agency confirmed no clear motive has emerged from initial interviews and evidence collection. The remote location near Mount Shasta, a popular outdoor recreation area in the Shasta Trinity National Forest, raised questions about whether the encounter was planned or spontaneous. Authorities continue gathering evidence to understand the circumstances that led to the kidnapping.

Forest Service Chief Expresses Relief After Safe Release

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz released a statement Friday expressing gratitude for the safe return of both employees. He acknowledged the frightening nature of the incident and emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families. The Forest Service confirmed both employees are receiving necessary assistance following their traumatic experience. Schultz stressed that employee well-being remains the highest priority as the investigation moves forward.

Federal Prosecution Moving Forward

The case highlights the serious legal consequences for targeting federal employees. Kidnapping a federal employee carries severe penalties under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201(a)(5). The U.S. Attorney’s Office is preparing formal criminal complaints against both suspects. The FBI and U.S. Forest Service continue coordinating their investigation into all aspects of the incident. Additional charges could emerge as investigators uncover more details about the planning and execution of the kidnapping in the remote northern California wilderness.