Father and son accused of zip-tying Forest Service workers and holding them hostage face new charges
A federal grand jury has indicted Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and his son, Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, following the kidnapping of two U.S. Forest Service employees in Northern California. The father now faces additional charges including assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The incident began on July 16 at the Gumboot Lake Campground within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. According to court records, the two biologists were conducting routine environmental work when they were confronted by Joseph Henrichsen, who was armed with an AR-10 semiautomatic rifle. The victims were restrained with zip-ties and held in a remote trailer for 15 hours.
Authorities launched a large-scale response after receiving a distress call from a Forest Service law enforcement officer. The operation involved local sheriff deputies, the FBI, and specialized SWAT and hostage rescue teams. Following several hours of negotiations, authorities secured the safe release of the two employees and the surrender of both suspects.
Public records indicate that Joseph Henrichsen has a history of criminal activity. In 2022, he faced charges in Washington state related to the harassment of a neighbor, though that case was dismissed due to delays in securing court-mandated competency treatment. He has also faced various charges dating back to 1998, including assault and attempted robbery.
Both men remain in federal custody as they await trial. If found guilty of the kidnapping charges, they each face a maximum penalty of life in prison and significant fines. Joseph Henrichsen faces up to an additional 20 years for the new charges filed this week.