LAPD Chief Backed Officers Who Shot at Author, Weezer Bassist's Ex-Wife

Police Commission overruled the chief's decision, finding the shooting unjustified and the officers made tactical mistakes.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:49am

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A report released on Thursday shows that LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell sided with officers who shot Jillian Lauren, an author and the estranged wife of Weezer bass player Scott Shriner, during a standoff in her Eagle Rock home. However, the Police Commission took the rare step of overruling the chief's recommendation, finding fault with the shooting and concluding that the officers made serious tactical errors.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between LAPD leadership and the civilian oversight commission, as well as the challenges in balancing public safety and use of force policies. It also raises questions about how police respond to mental health crises and whether adequate de-escalation tactics were employed.

The details

The incident began on April 8, 2025 when police responded to a request for help from the California Highway Patrol in tracking down three suspects in a hit-and-run crash. Officers Joshua Wolak and Dorian Zhou joined the search and encountered Jillian Lauren, who was carrying a handgun in her backyard. Police said they ordered Lauren to drop the gun for several minutes before she fired a round in their direction, prompting Wolak and Zhou to open fire, striking Lauren in the arm. Lauren, who was not connected to the hit-and-run, believed she was being fired upon by armed suspects.

  • The incident occurred on April 8, 2025.
  • The report was made public on March 26, 2026.

The players

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD chief who sided with the officers involved in the shooting.

Jillian Lauren

An author and the estranged wife of Weezer bass player Scott Shriner, who was shot by police during the incident.

Joshua Wolak

An LAPD officer who fired seven rounds at Jillian Lauren.

Dorian Zhou

An LAPD officer who fired five rounds at Jillian Lauren.

Albert Hoang

An LAPD sergeant whose command decisions during the incident were criticized by both the commission and the chief.

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What they’re saying

“I saw her raise the handgun at a 45-degree angle, 'rack' the slide to chamber a round and fire at officers. In response, I fired five rounds, aiming at her center mass.”

— Dorian Zhou, LAPD Officer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jillian Lauren to enter a diversion program due to mental health issues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between LAPD leadership and the civilian oversight commission, as well as the challenges in balancing public safety and use of force policies when responding to mental health crises. It raises questions about whether adequate de-escalation tactics were employed and the need for improved protocols when multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in an incident.