Joseph Charles Henrichsen and Phoenix Henrichsen face kidnapping charges after holding two federal biologists hostage in a Northern California forest.

Joseph Charles Henrichsen and his son, Phoenix Henrichsen, have been federally charged with kidnapping and aiding and abetting after holding two U.S. Forest Service biologists at gunpoint for 15 hours. The incident occurred last week in a remote section of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Gumboot Lake Campground. The affidavit alleges that Joseph Charles Henrichsen approached the two female employees, who were conducting research on frog habitats, while armed with an AR-15-style rifle. He zip-tied their hands behind their backs and moved them to a nearby trailer. During the standoff, Joseph Charles Henrichsen used one of the victims' phones to notify authorities that he had taken the employees hostage and had "live rounds ready." Phoenix Henrichsen is accused of aiding his father by keeping watch during the ordeal. After prolonged negotiations involving the FBI and local law enforcement, the victims were released and both suspects surrendered. If convicted, the Henrichsens face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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