Father-Son Duo Suspected in Kidnapping of Forest Service Employees

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant recently announced at a press conference that a father-son pair from California is under suspicion for the kidnapping of two employees from the U.S. Forest Service.

Joseph Charles Henriksen, age 49, along with his son, Phoenix Henriksen, allegedly took two federal agents hostage in a trailer located in a remote area near Mount Shasta.

The FBI dispatched hostage negotiators to coordinate with local law enforcement. After several hours of discussions, the authorities managed to secure the release of the hostages.

In a rather startling turn, the elder Henriksen reportedly insisted on speaking with the FBI after tying up the hostages and confining them inside the trailer close to Gamboot Lake in Northern California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Forest Service officials alerted the authorities just before 11 a.m. local time on Thursday about the kidnapping incident. The FBI successfully freed one of the hostages by 1:50 a.m. the following Friday, followed by the release of the second person around 15 minutes later. The alleged kidnappers then surrendered to the FBI at about 2:30 a.m.

Tom Schultz, Secretary of the Forest Service, expressed profound relief, stating, “Words cannot express how grateful we are for the safe return of the two Forest Service personnel.” He noted the experience was undoubtedly frightening for everyone involved, emphasizing their well-being is a priority and that support would be provided to them and their families.

Currently, the FBI is still investigating the motive behind the kidnappings and why the elder Henriksen sought contact with federal agents.

Grant further mentioned that the United States Attorney’s Office plans to file criminal charges against both men for kidnapping a federal officer, as outlined under 18 U.S.C. 1201(a)(5).