Jillian Lauren granted mental health diversion in LAPD gunfire case

A Los Angeles judge on Thursday granted bestselling author Jillian Lauren, who is also identified in some records as Jillian Shriner, the right to enter a two-year mental health diversion program that could lead to dismissal of two felony charges tied to an exchange of gunfire with Los Angeles police on April 8 in the Eagle Rock neighborhood. The incident occurred as officers were searching nearby yards for three hit-and-run suspects from a crash on the 134 Freeway.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Susan J. De Witt found Lauren eligible and suitable for diversion after her legal team requested the program, court officials said. Under the agreement she must attend weekly therapy, submit to random drug and alcohol testing, abstain from illicit drugs and alcohol, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and refrain from owning or possessing firearms or knives. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Lauren will be subject to regular progress reports to the court and a Jan. 9 hearing; any violation could result in termination of the diversion and reinstatement of prosecution. A spokeswoman for the DA said prosecutors did not oppose the petition. Lauren’s lawyer,...