WAYMO Calls California Cops on Unruly Teens

REPORT (KTLA): Two teenagers were detained after causing “trouble” in a Waymo on Monday afternoon, the San Mateo Police Department announced in a social media post.

This video reports on a concerning incident in San Mateo, California, involving two 15-year-olds who were detained after misbehaving inside a driverless Waymo vehicle.

Key Details of the Incident:

The Report: The Waymo vehicle itself contacted police to report that its passengers were drinking alcohol and appeared to be firing a weapon out of the window while the car was in motion (0:07 – 0:15).

Police Intervention: Waymo remotely pulled the vehicle over and disabled it, telling the teens there were mechanical issues. Five police officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and detained the teenagers (1:50 – 2:11).

The “Weapon”: Upon investigation, authorities determined that the firearm was actually an Orbeez toy gun, which shoots water pellets. While it is a toy, police noted it can cause injury and can look highly realistic, potentially escalating dangerous situations (2:14 – 2:30).

Context and Regulations:

Underage Passengers: Per Waymo’s policies and California law, minors under 18 are not permitted to ride in the vehicles without an adult, and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited regardless of age (0:39 – 0:54).

Broader Concerns: This event follows a similar incident in Santa Monica last month where teens were seen hanging out of the windows of a moving Waymo car (2:43 – 2:51).

Authorities are currently investigating to determine if any charges will be filed against the teenagers involved (3:10 – 3:14).