From Futurism · Frank Landymore · · 1m 30s
Waymo's robotaxi catches passengers with assault rifle
Self-driving cars are equipped with cameras that monitor everything inside, making them risky places to break the law.
In brief
Self-driving cars are equipped with cameras that monitor everything inside, making them risky places to break the law. Waymo's internal monitoring systems caught two teenagers with a ghost gun, leading to arrests and raising questions about passenger behavior in autonomous vehicles. Originally reported by Futurism.
Waymo spots gun in backseat
On September 4, Waymo detected a violation of its terms of service involving a firearm in one of its robotaxis in San Francisco's Richmond District. The company pulled over the vehicle and called emergency services.
Police conduct high-risk stop
San Francisco police arrived just before 4 AM and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop. Officers found a ghost gun, an untraceable homemade firearm assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts.
Two teens arrested with charges
A boy and girl were arrested and booked into juvenile detention. They face charges related to illegally possessing a firearm, plus suspected marijuana and mace spray were also found.
Cameras catch everything inside
Robotaxis use multiple cameras to monitor their surroundings and closely observe what happens inside their cabs. This makes them poor choices for illegal activity.
Pattern of passenger problems
In July, Waymo alerted San Mateo police after two 15-year-old boys were reportedly drinking in the backseat and shooting water beads from a toy gun. Other incidents of unruly behavior haven't led to arrests.
Rowdy passengers becoming frequent
As robotaxis become more popular, unruly and possibly illegal passenger behavior will likely increase. The technology's monitoring capabilities may help law enforcement respond to crimes in progress.
What matters most
Waymo's internal monitoring systems caught two teenagers with a ghost gun, leading to arrests and raising questions about passenger behavior in autonomous vehicles.
