Waymo Robotaxi Detects Armed Passengers and Alerts San Francisco Police
A Waymo autonomous robotaxi in San Francisco alerted police after internal cameras detected underage passengers carrying a loaded ghost gun, marijuana, and pepper spray.
Autonomous robotaxis promise a serene commute free from unwanted small talk, erratic driving, or disputes over climate control. However, a recent incident in San Francisco underscores a hidden catch: Waymo vehicles are continuously monitoring their passengers, potentially flagging illicit activity to law enforcement.
Ghost Gun Discovered in San Francisco
According to San Francisco police reports, officers responded to an unusual call at 3:52 AM on September 3, after passengers inside an autonomous vehicle were spotted handling a firearm. While police initially withheld the operator's identity, the Los Angeles Times later confirmed the vehicle belonged to Waymo, an autonomous driving subsidiary owned by Alphabet Inc.
Waymo stated that the robotaxi pulled over and directly alerted local authorities after onboard interior cameras detected the weapon. Carrying a firearm inside the vehicle constitutes a direct violation of Waymo's terms of service. The company confirmed it cooperated fully with the police investigation.
Arrests and Subsequent Findings
Law enforcement arrested two minors—a teenage boy and girl—and seized the weapon flagged by the vehicle's optical system: a loaded, unregistered semi-automatic firearm commonly referred to as a "ghost gun." The weapon was reportedly assembled from parts, including components produced on a 3-D printer designed to bypass conventional metal detectors. In addition to the firearm, officers recovered marijuana and pepper spray from the suspects. Police declined to release further details regarding the minors due to their age, noting that the investigation remains active.
"The vehicle immediately stopped and reported the situation to local law enforcement once the internal cameras identified the prohibited items," Waymo representatives noted regarding the incident.
This marks the second notable intervention by Waymo’s fleet in recent months. Approximately two months prior, police in San Mateo County intercepted a Waymo robotaxi after interior sensors captured underage passengers consuming alcohol and brandishing gel-blaster pellet guns at pedestrians.
