A Laguna Niguel resident has pleaded guilty to firing a semi-automatic rifle at an Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter from his home last year. Justin Derek Jennings, 40, entered his plea on one count of attempting to damage, destroy, disable, or wreck an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents and a plea agreement, Jennings fired multiple rounds at the law enforcement helicopter on March 9, 2024. The incident began after Jennings had been celebrating his birthday with family at his residence. He reportedly became angry and consumed alcohol during the event. As tensions escalated, family members left the home. Jennings then retrieved a rifle from a gun safe and discharged it inside the house, prompting remaining relatives to flee and contact authorities.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded with deputies and deployed a police helicopter that circled above the area. From a second-story window, Jennings intermittently fired at the helicopter for about 20 minutes when it was visible overhead. He later surrendered after speaking with a sheriff’s deputy.
Law enforcement searched Jennings’ home and seized several firearms—including two revolvers, two handguns, and two rifles—as well as ammunition. Bullet casings were found throughout the residence along with magazines and a box of ammunition beneath the window where shots were fired.
United States District Judge John W. Holcomb has scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2026. Jennings faces up to 20 years in federal prison if given the statutory maximum sentence.
The case was initially brought by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office but was dismissed so that federal prosecutors could proceed.
The FBI and Orange County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin J. Campbell and Lisa J. Lindhorst are prosecuting.
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