A Laguna Niguel resident pleaded guilty to federal charges after firing a semi-automatic rifle at an Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter from his home. Justin Derek Jennings, 40, admitted in court to attempting to damage or destroy an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents and Jennings’ plea agreement, the incident occurred on March 9, 2024. On that day, Jennings was celebrating his birthday with family members at his residence. After consuming alcohol and becoming angry, Jennings’ family left the home for their safety. He then retrieved a rifle from his gun safe and discharged an entire magazine inside the house. The remaining family members fled and notified law enforcement.
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of gunfire, deploying several officers and a police helicopter that circled overhead. From a second-story window, Jennings fired at the helicopter whenever it was visible in the sky. This continued intermittently for about 20 minutes until he spoke with a sheriff’s deputy and surrendered.
Law enforcement searching Jennings’ residence found two revolvers, two handguns, two rifles, multiple rounds of ammunition, bullet casings throughout the floor, as well as magazines and ammunition boxes beneath the window where shots were fired.
United States District Judge John W. Holcomb set sentencing for January 30, 2026. Jennings faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office initially filed charges against Jennings but dismissed them so that federal prosecution could proceed instead.
The case was investigated by both the FBI and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin J. Campbell and Lisa J. Lindhorst are prosecuting.
“Justin Derek Jennings, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to damage, destroy, disable, or wreck an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.”
