On Tuesday, April 8th, 51-year-old crime author Jillian Lauren Shriner-the wife of Weezer’s Bassist, Scott Shriner, was shot by the Los Angeles police and charged with attempted murder. Authorities stated that they saw Jillian with a handgun, pointing the gun towards police officers who were searching for hit-and-run suspects in a Los Angeles neighborhood after repeatedly being told to drop the gun. After allegedly refusing to drop the gun and pointing the weapon at the officers, she was shot in the shoulder.
While searching for the hit-and-run suspects that had occurred on the same day on the highway, the suspects fled their vehicle and ran into the neighborhood. When the Los Angeles police officers were directed to the backyard of the home where one of the suspects was seen, they saw Jillian armed with a handgun. According to the LAPD, Jillian was seen pointing a firearm in the direction of the officers. Despite multiple demands to drop the weapon, she reportedly refused to comply. Officers say she continued to raise the gun toward them, prompting one or more officers to fire. After being shot, Shriner fled back inside her home, where she remained for a short time. Police said she eventually emerged with her babysitter and surrendered. She was then transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. According to LAPD detective Meghan Aguilar, “At that point, there were some commands given, multiple commands to drop the gun, drop the weapon. Unfortunately, it did result in an officer-involved shooting,” she said during a press briefing.
Police have confirmed that Jillian Shriner was not involved in the original hit-and-run incident. Her appearance during the investigation appears to have been unrelated to the crime to which officers were originally responding to. However, she was arrested and charged with attempted murder. A 9-millimeter handgun was recovered from the scene. She was held on a $1 million bail but has since been released.
The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating worn camera footage and other evidence that was in that scene to see if the police actions were justified.
The bassist, Scott Shriner, was quiet on the situation with his wife Jillian Lauren, after she was shot and arrested by the police. The New York post reported that Shriner said his wife is “all right”, he also said that he “can’t comment” on the situation. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident as the public awaits for further details.
