SAN MATEO, Calif. — Two 15-year-olds were detained Monday after a Waymo autonomous vehicle alerted authorities to alleged misconduct during a ride in San Mateo, according to police.
Authorities said the teens were allegedly consuming alcohol and firing water beads from a toy gun at people outside the driverless vehicle. Waymo’s onboard systems detected the activity, causing the vehicle to stop in a shopping center parking lot while the company contacted the San Mateo Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene and detained the two juveniles without incident. Police released photographs showing multiple officers surrounding the autonomous vehicle after it came to a stop.
In a social media statement, the San Mateo Police Department acknowledged the creativity behind the teens’ plan but emphasized that underage drinking and pointing even toy guns at members of the public are dangerous and unacceptable.
Waymo vehicles are equipped with interior cameras that monitor activity inside the cabin. According to the company’s support policies, employees can review recorded footage and, in urgent situations, access live video during a trip to help address safety concerns.
The incident remains under investigation.
