parks
2 federal workers were held hostage at gunpoint for hours in a California forest. A father and son are the accused kidnappers
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 3 min read
By Emma Tucker, CNN
(CNN) — Two US Forest Service workers were doing field work in a northern California forest on Thursday morning when they were abducted at gunpoint, zip-tied and led to a remote trailer, authorities said.
Using one of the victims’ phones to make a call, a suspect said he h...
Key takeaway The call led to a massive local, state and federal law enforcement presence racing up the one-lane road to the campsite, located 2,000 feet up in rough terrain in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, authorities said.
Why this matters in The El Paso
While the hostage situation in California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest may seem far removed from El Paso , the incident has implications for local park rangers and federal workers in the El Paso area. The fact that two US Forest Service workers were abducted at gunpoint while doing field work raises concerns about the safety of employees working in remote areas, including those in and around El Paso's own natural spaces. As law enforcement and federal agencies continue to investigate the motive behind the kidnapping, El Paso residents may wonder about the potential risks faced by local workers in similar roles. The successful resolution of the standoff, with both hostages released safely, is a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts, a model that could be applied in similar situations in the El Paso area.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Emma Tucker, CNN
(CNN) — Two US Forest Service workers were doing field work in a northern California forest on Thursday morning when they were abducted at gunpoint, zip-tied and led to a remote trailer, authorities said.
Using one of the victims’ phones to make a call, a suspect said he h...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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