Weezer Bassist’s Wife Caught in a Wild Police Standoff!
In a shocking turn of events earlier this week, Jillian Lauren-Shriner — author, advocate, and wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner — was shot by police after allegedly refusing to drop a weapon during a tense encounter following a hit-and-run investigation in Los Angeles.
What Happened?
The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon, April 7, around 3:25 p.m. local time. It began when the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a chaotic three-car hit-and-run near the 134 Freeway and Figueroa Street. As the suspects fled into a nearby residential area, CHP called the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for backup.
Officers from the LAPD’s Northeast Division quickly arrived and set up a perimeter around the neighborhood. Following directions from CHP, officers searched the area and moved toward the backyard of a home on Waldo Place, where one of the hit-and-run suspects had last been spotted.
A Surprising Turn
While searching the area, officers noticed a woman — later identified as 51-year-old Jillian Shriner — in the yard of a nearby house. According to the LAPD, she was armed with a handgun.
Police stated they gave her multiple commands to drop the weapon, but she did not comply. Instead, she allegedly pointed the gun police toward the officers. That’s when one of the officers opened fire.
Shriner was struck in the shoulder by gunfire and ran into her home. A short time later, she came out and surrendered. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported her to a nearby hospital. Thankfully, her injury was described as non-life-threatening.
Was She Involved in the Hit-and-Run?
Here’s where things get more complex. According to police, Jillian Shriner was not involved in the original hit-and-run incident. In fact, they later confirmed that she lived at the residence where the encounter took place.
Despite not being one of the original suspects, Shriner was arrested and police booked for attempted murder due to allegedly pointing the weapon at officers. A 9mm handgun was recovered from her home.
As for the hit-and-run case itself: one male suspect was caught, cited, and released. The other two individuals reportedly remain at large.
No Other Injuries Reported
Thankfully, no officers or other members of the community were hurt police during the incident. The LAPD has not released the name of the officer who fired the shot, and the situation remains under investigation, as is standard in officer-involved shootings.
Who Is Jillian Shriner?
Jillian Lauren-Shriner is best known for her writing and activism. She is the author of several books, including a memoir detailing her past life and work as an advocate for foster care reform. She married Weezer bassist Scott Shriner in 2005, and the couple has been together for nearly two decades.
A Difficult Time for the Shriner Family
This dramatic event comes just days before Scott Shriner and the rest of Weezer are set to perform at Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world. The band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic Blue Album, making the timing of this personal crisis especially tough.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, many questions remain: Why was Jillian holding a gun? What led to the confrontation? And how will this affect both her family and her public advocacy work?
One thing is clear — what began as a routine hit-and-run case quickly escalated into a high-stakes moment with life-altering consequences.
