Two minors were arrested in San Francisco early on September 3 after a Waymo autonomous vehicle detected a firearm inside the robotaxi and alerted law enforcement.
Waymo’s vehicle was pulled over following the detection of a loaded AR-style ghost gun, which lacks serial numbers and is difficult for authorities to trace. San Francisco police conducted a high-risk vehicle stop at 40th Avenue and Cabrillo Street before 4 a.m. and recovered the weapon, along with suspected marijuana and mace spray from the juveniles.
The two suspects—a boy and a girl—were detained and booked into the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center on charges related to illegal firearm possession. Their names and ages were not disclosed due to their status as minors.
Waymo’s Response and Policies
Waymo confirmed the incident involved one of its vehicles, stating the company detected a violation of its terms of service involving a firearm and immediately alerted emergency services while cooperating with police. The company’s Rider Rules prohibit carrying any weapons inside its autonomous vehicles.
San Francisco police described the stop as high-risk, emphasizing the potential danger posed by the firearm. Authorities have not specified how the vehicle detected the weapon, particularly given the ghost gun’s lack of serial numbers.
Background and Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Waymo has contacted police over alleged violations. In July, the company alerted authorities after two teens were found drinking alcohol and shooting toy guns in the back of a Waymo vehicle in San Mateo County. Waymo’s autonomous vehicles operate in multiple California cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, where they have become a familiar presence.
Ghost guns, often assembled from partially 3D-printed parts, are untraceable and have been a growing concern for law enforcement nationwide. The recovery of the weapon in this case underscores ongoing challenges in regulating such firearms.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to review the circumstances of the incident.