Two 15-year-old teenagers were apprehended in San Mateo, California, after a Waymo autonomous vehicle reportedly alerted police to their conduct inside the self-driving car on Monday afternoon. The vehicle, operated by Waymo, a leading developer of robotaxis, contacted local law enforcement after detecting that the teens were consuming alcohol and firing projectiles within the vehicle.
According to a social media post by the San Mateo Police Department, the youths were shooting Orbeez—small water-absorbing beads marketed as toys—out of the windows of the Waymo vehicle. Upon receiving the alert, the vehicle safely pulled over in a parking lot and remained stationary until police officers arrived. Both teens were subsequently taken into custody.
The police department emphasized the potential risks associated with the use of toy guns, water guns, and BB guns, noting that such items can cause alarm among bystanders or result in damage when projectiles are fired at speed. The statement also highlighted concerns regarding underage drinking and underscored the dangers of the teens’ actions both inside and outside the vehicle.
A video shared by the police shows a significant response, including at least five officers and a police dog approaching the autonomous car with weapons drawn before detaining the suspects. The police department also used the incident to remind parents to be aware of their teenagers’ whereabouts.
Waymo’s vehicles are equipped with internal cameras and microphones intended to ensure passenger safety and the cleanliness of the cars, as well as to assist in recovering lost items. While the company does not employ facial recognition or biometric technologies to identify individuals, its security protocols allow for the monitoring and reporting of emergency situations or safety concerns during trips. Waymo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.
The response from the public to the police’s social media post was mixed. Some commenters viewed Waymo’s notification as a positive safety measure, while others criticized the company for “snitching” on the teens, raising questions about privacy and the role of autonomous vehicles in law enforcement.
This incident follows another unusual event earlier this year, when San Francisco authorities continued to investigate a theft involving the use of a driverless Jaguar operated by Waymo as a getaway car after merchandise was stolen from a yoga studio in the city's Marina District.
Together, these cases highlight evolving issues around the intersection of emerging autonomous vehicle technology, public safety, and privacy concerns in Northern California.