Waymo Robotaxi Flags Gun, Leads Police to Arrest Two Minors

Waymo’s driverless ride-hailing service grew from Google’s self-driving car project, launched in 2009, and became a standalone company in 2016. Interior cameras help enforce passenger rules and respond to safety incidents, while its terms bar weapons and lookalikes. The San Francisco case shows how an autonomous fleet can flag cabin risks and involve police, while sharpening questions over automated surveillance, human review and passenger privacy. Waymo says automated technology helps its teams identify possible violations but has not detailed the decision process behind firearm alerts.

At about 3:52 a.m. on Sept. 3, San Francisco police responded to the 800 block of 40th Avenue after Waymo reported two armed passengers in a robotaxi. The company said it detected a firearm-related terms violation, safely stopped the vehicle and contacted emergency services. Officers conducted a high-risk stop, detained a juvenile boy and girl, and recovered a loaded AR-style ghost gun, suspected marijuana and mace spray. Both were booked into the Juvenile Justice Center on suspicion of illegal firearm possession; police said the investigation remained open.