Jillian Lauren, the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot by police after allegedly firing at officers during a wild chase in Los Angeles and she was then charged with attempted murder
The wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner was shot by police – and then arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The confrontation reportedly happened following a chaotic chase after police were called to a hit-and-run crash on a road in the Eagle Rock neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Three suspects involved in the incident fled the scene on foot, it is understood.
One suspect exited his car, climbed an embankment, and ended up on a residential street, according to reports. As police scoured the area, setting up barricades and closing off streets, Scott’s 51-year-old wife, Jillian Lauren, emerged from their home armed, reports the Mirror US.
According to TMZ, a law enforcement source informed them that upon leaving her home, she began firing, presumably at a suspect. Officers reportedly shouted at her to drop the weapon; however, reports suggest she ignored multiple commands, leading officers to fire, hitting her shoulder.
Following this, Lauren retreated back into the house, and then 30 minutes later, she and another woman – thought to be her babysitter – emerged with their hands raised, surrendering to the police. Law enforcement revealed to TMZ that Lauren was subsequently taken to a hospital and arrested for attempted murder.
Medical professionals examined Lauren for what was described as “a non-life-threatening gunshot wound” following the violent series of events. According to TMZ, police said that they took a nine-millimeter handgun from her home upon examining the abode.
Witnesses spoke to Los Angeles-based TV station KTLA about what they saw on Wednesday. Alana Altmeyer said: “I saw a gentleman walking on the shoulder – so, my brother and I went over and assumed that he was leaving the scene of an accident.”
The Mirror US has contacted the LAPD and Weezer for comment. The alternative rock band, founded in 1992 in Los Angeles, won a Grammy in 2009 for Best Music Video for the song Pork and Beans, which sold more than one million copies in the US. Their biggest tune in the UK was 2005’s Beverly Hills, which peaked at ninth place in our singles charts.
Shriner, who has been in Weezer since 2001 after replacing Mikey Welsh, married Jillian in 2005. The rocker and his wife have two adopted children.
Weezer, fronted by Lauren’s husband, is set to join Ed Sheeran in the 2025 Coachella lineup. Although not battling it on stage together, they’ll take turns virtually each Saturday but at the same time slot. Fans eager for music will find Weezer rocking out in the Mojave tent come April 12, at precisely 3.10pm with a snappy 45-minute set. The following week, on April 19, at 3pm, Ed Sheeran gets his turn, serenading the crowd for a full hour on identical terms.
With high hopes riding on Weezer’s anticipated gig at Coachella, supporters are crossing fingers that the incident involving Scott’s wife is no showstopper.
Social media, on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), sees fans buzzing with uncertainty and earnest requests. One user anxiously queried, “So like is Weezer still playing at Coachella on Saturday or,” indicating unease over the band’s appearance.
Desperation took over another fan, practically offering to binge the band’s entire collection if they hear their wish granted, pleading, “Weezer please perform Body Count’s Cop Killer at Coachella and I will listen to all your albums. I will listen to the Rivers Cuomo home recordings I promise,” the fan disclosed enthusiastically.