Victims held for hours before suspects surrendered after standoff, authorities say
Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and his son Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, were arraigned Monday in Sacramento on charges of kidnapping a federal employee and aiding and abetting, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The charges stem from an encounter last week at Gumboot Lake Campground, where two U.S. Forest Service staff biologists were conducting fieldwork. Joseph Henrichsen, armed with a rifle, approached the biologists in a remote area, zip-tied their hands behind their backs, and ordered them to a nearby trailer, according to a federal affidavit. Phoenix Henrichsen joined them at the trailer and kept watch when his father was not there, the affidavit states.
Joseph Henrichsen then drove one of the biologists several miles away in a Forest Service vehicle and used her phone to call a federal forest ranger. In a voicemail, he said: “I’ve taken two fed biologists hostage from the Forest Service. I’m driving in the ranger vehicle right now. Her hands are behind her [expletive] back, and I’ve got live rounds ready.”
Law enforcement officials responded and began an hourslong standoff. The Henrichsens surrendered later after hostage negotiations, and the victims were released safely.
If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. A preliminary examination is scheduled for Aug. 3.