Father and Son Face Federal Kidnapping Charges After Holding U.S. Forest Service Workers at Gunpoint Near Mt. Shasta

In a tense 12‑hour standoff that began on Thursday afternoon, a father and his adult son allegedly held two U.S. Forest Service employees at gunpoint inside a trailer near Gunboot Lake in the Shasta‑Trinity National Forest. The workers, who were conducting routine field operations, were taken by the suspects and held until early Friday morning when the men surrendered with an assault rifle, knives and a claim that they possessed grenades.

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz confirmed that the employees were released unharmed and that their safety remains the agency’s top priority. No injuries were reported.

The incident triggered a swift response from local and federal authorities. Deputies from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office reached the remote area around noon and deployed drones to locate the trailer. They called the FBI for assistance, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Tosh noted that it was fortunate no one was hurt during the standoff.

The FBI brought in a host of resources, including its elite Hostage Rescue Team from Quantico, Virginia, and a team of negotiators. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office also dispatched a SWAT team, a sniper unit, a hostage‑negotiation squad and a bomb unit. The coordinated effort culminated in the suspects surrendering at 2:30 a.m. Friday, walking out of the trailer with the weapons they had brought.

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said he intends to charge both men with kidnapping federal employees. While no charges have yet appeared in online court records as of Saturday afternoon, officials confirmed that the suspects are expected to face federal prosecution. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of federal employees working in remote areas of California’s largest national forest. The Shasta‑Trinity National Forest spans more than 3,400 square miles and is a popular destination for hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation.

The kidnapping, which involved zip‑tied employees held at gunpoint, was resolved without injuries thanks to the coordinated efforts of local deputies, the FBI, and specialized tactical teams. The suspects’ surrender and the safe release of the workers demonstrate the effectiveness of the rapid‑response protocols in place.

The case will now proceed through the federal court system, where prosecutors will determine the specific charges and penalties. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by federal workers in remote wilderness areas and the importance of swift law‑enforcement coordination.

In the meantime, the U.S. Forest Service has reiterated its commitment to the safety of its employees and to maintaining the integrity of its operations in the Shasta‑Trinity National Forest.