Waymo Robotaxi Alerts Police Leading to Arrests
In an unusual incident in San Francisco, two juveniles were apprehended after a Waymo driverless taxi summoned police, leading to their arrest. The youths were found carrying a loaded AR-style ‘ghost gun’, and were subsequently taken to a juvenile detention centre. Waymo confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the car involved was indeed one of their autonomous vehicles.
Violation of Terms Leads to Arrest
A spokesperson from Waymo disclosed to the LA Times that the vehicle detected a “violation of our terms of service involving a firearm,” prompting it to stop and notify law enforcement authorities. The specific response of the car showcases the automated safety protocols integrated into Waymo’s systems.
Previous Incident Highlights Safety Protocols
This incident echoes a previous occurrence earlier in the year, where a Waymo vehicle feigned mechanical issues to stop after passengers were caught consuming alcohol and playing with a toy gun inside. Both cases involved juvenile passengers. These events serve as a warning to young passengers to avoid illegal activities in autonomous vehicles.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.