Jillian Shriner, wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers on Tuesday during an ongoing search for suspects in an unrelated crime. The incident occurred near the 134 Freeway in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, when Shriner was allegedly seen with a handgun. She was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and later charged with attempted murder. The incident, which took place just days before Weezer’s scheduled Coachella performance, has raised questions about the chain of events.
Search for Hit-and-Run Suspects
On Tuesday, LAPD officers, alongside California Highway Patrol (CHP), were investigating a hit-and-run incident on the 134 Freeway near the Figueroa exit. According to LAPD, three suspects involved in the crash fled the scene on foot, entering the nearby Eagle Rock neighborhood. Authorities began searching the area, including the backyard of a house on the block.
Encounter with Jillian Shriner While searching, officers reportedly encountered Jillian Shriner in the yard of a neighboring property. LAPD claims Shriner was holding a handgun and did not comply with multiple orders to drop the weapon. The department further stated that she allegedly pointed the firearm at the officers.
Police Response and Injury In response to the perceived threat, LAPD officers opened fire, striking Shriner in the shoulder. She then retreated into her home. Fortunately, her injuries were described as non-life-threatening. However, the situation quickly escalated as Shriner was later booked on charges of attempted murder, despite no evidence suggesting she had fired at the officers.
LAPD’s Statement The LAPD acknowledged that Shriner was not involved in the hit-and-run accident and confirmed she lived at the residence where the shooting occurred. A 9mm handgun was recovered from her home. As of now, there has been no independent verification of the events leading up to the shooting.
Eyewitness Accounts Witnesses in the area reported a significant police presence as LAPD and CHP officers combed through the neighborhood. Multiple streets and parts of the freeway were temporarily blocked off during the search. While some have questioned the actions of law enforcement, no official response has yet been issued regarding the use of force.
No Evidence of Gunfire
At this time, there has been no report indicating that Jillian Shriner fired any shots at the police officers. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.
Impact on Weezer and Upcoming Performance
The incident comes just days before Weezer’s highly anticipated performance at the Coachella music festival in Indio, California. The band, fronted by Rivers Cuomo, is set to perform during the festival’s opening weekend, adding an unexpected element of attention to an otherwise routine search for suspects.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD’s use of force and the details surrounding the shooting have sparked public concern. While the investigation continues, there is still no clear picture of what transpired before officers opened fire. Eyewitnesses have suggested that the situation might not have unfolded as the police department describes, prompting calls for further scrutiny.
