Waymo Robotaxi Reports Teens for Toy Gun Drive-By

Two teenagers in California were apprehended by police after their Waymo autonomous vehicle reported them for engaging in a "drive-by" with gel bead projectiles. The incident occurred when the teens, while being chauffeured in the driverless Waymo, were observed consuming alcohol and firing "Orbeez" from the car. The Waymo vehicle detected the disruptive behavior, stopped, and alerted the San Mateo Police Department. Officers responded to the scene, safely removed the individuals, and confirmed they were using the vehicle for illicit activities.

According to a Facebook post by the San Mateo Police Department, the teens were "sipping on afternoon libations while being chauffeured around town in the driverless vehicle" and "shooting Orbeez from the car." This event highlights the capability of Waymo's autonomous vehicles to monitor and report passenger conduct that violates company policies or legal statutes. The police were able to detain the individuals without incident.

This is not the first time a Waymo robotaxi has been instrumental in reporting passenger misconduct. Last year, a similar incident involved two men in Los Angeles who were reported to the police for consuming alcohol inside a Waymo vehicle. These instances suggest a pattern of Waymo's fleet actively contributing to the enforcement of rules and regulations, even when passengers attempt to conceal their actions within the private space of the vehicle. The company's technology appears to be integrated with safety and security protocols that extend to passenger behavior.