Two US Forest Service workers were doing field work in a northern California forest on Thursday morning when they were abducted at gunpoint, zip-tied, and led to a remote trailer, authorities said. The workers were released 15 hours later, and federal prosecutors charged a father and a son with kidnapping.
Details of the Incident
Using one of the victims’ phones to make a call, a suspect said he had “taken two federal employees hostage from the Forest Service” and he had “live rounds ready,” federal prosecutors said. The call led to a massive local, state, and federal law enforcement presence racing up the one-lane road to the campsite, located 2,000 feet up in rough terrain in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, authorities said.
During the negotiations, authorities used drones to identify the trailer and make contact with the father, said Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue. When they did, the father said he wanted to speak with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, warning he had firearms and ammunition, the sheriff said.
About four hours later, around 4:20 p.m., federal and local law enforcement were able to begin negotiations, and the standoff continued nearly 10 hours more until the two employees were released 15 minutes apart, authorities said. Less than an hour later, law enforcement was able to “successfully communicate” with one of the suspects, which led to the father and son walking out of the trailer together.
Accused Kidnappers Identified
The suspected kidnappers were identified as Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and his son Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, the Department of Justice said. They are in custody after being charged with kidnapping federal employees, the agency said. The motive is still unclear and is being investigated, the agency said.
US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said he was “grateful beyond words” the workers are home safe. “This outcome is a testament to the skill and professionalism of our Forest Service law enforcement officers, the FBI, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, and every first responder who answered the call,” Schultz said.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
