In what surely was an attempt to redefine birthday party games, Justin Derek Jennings, a 39-year-old Orange County resident, thought it would be thrilling to celebrate his special day by trying to shoot down a sheriff’s department helicopter. Because nothing says "Happy Birthday" like a good old-fashioned showdown with airborne law enforcement.

The incident, which occurred on March 9, began innocently enough with typical birthday festivities. Things, however, took a dramatic turn when Jennings decided to use a firearm to add some excitement. After presumably one too many birthday toasts, he fired a magazine's worth of ammunition inside his house, prompting his understandably alarmed family to leave the scene and call the police (USA Today).

Not one to be deterred by an audience of zero, Jennings moved to the second story of his home to continue the fun. He took aim at the sky whenever the helicopter was visible, treating the potential felony like a high-stakes carnival game of "Hit the Flying Object" (CBS News). The shooting spree carried on for at least 20 minutes, ample time for local residents to rethink their neighborhood safety plans.

When authorities arrived, Jennings managed to stretch the party even further before eventually surrendering after a chat with a sheriff’s deputy. According to reports, multiple weapons were seized from his home, including two revolvers, two handguns, and two rifles, along with various rounds of ammunition and bullet casings. This extensive arsenal suggests that Jennings was prepared for anything—except maybe the legal consequences (USA Today, CBS News).

Jennings now faces a serious charge of attempting to damage, destroy, or disable an aircraft. He was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana where he pleaded not guilty, possibly under the impression that the incident was all one big misunderstanding—because who hasn't thought about targeting a helicopter mid-celebration? He was ordered held without bond and given a trial date of August 5. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison (USA Today).

The FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are both involved in the investigation, ensuring that Jennings receives all the attention his unique form of birthday revelry deserves (CBS News).

In the annals of birthday activities, Jennings has definitely set a new benchmark—or rather an entirely new theme. Future celebrators might consider sticking to safer games like karaoke or musical chairs. Here's hoping the next time someone wants to aim high for their birthday, they pick a piñata instead of a police helicopter.