Two young people were arrested last week in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood after allegedly being caught in a Waymo autonomous vehicle with a loaded assault rifle, authorities confirmed.
Waymo Employees Detect Firearm, Alert Authorities
The incident occurred on September 3 when Waymo employees became aware of a firearm inside one of the company’s driverless cars. According to a Waymo spokesperson speaking to SFGATE, the company immediately pulled the vehicle over, alerted emergency services, and cooperated fully with the San Francisco Police Department.
High-Risk Vehicle Stop Executed on 40th Avenue
Police responded to the 800 block of 40th Avenue just before 4 a.m. and carried out a “high-risk vehicle stop,” said Allison Maxie, a spokesperson for the SFPD, in comments to SFGATE.
When officers searched the vehicle, they discovered an “AR-styled assault rifle also known as a ghost gun,” Maxie reported. A further search revealed “suspected marijuana and mace spray.”
Juvenile Suspects Face Firearm Charges
The two passengers, a male and a female, were arrested and booked into the Juvenile Justice Center, Maxie confirmed. Both are facing charges related to illegally possessing a firearm. Police are not releasing the suspects’ identities due to their age.
The investigation remains open. Anyone with information is urged to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444.
Previous Waymo Safety Interventions
This is not the first time Waymo employees have alerted law enforcement to suspected illegal activity in the company’s vehicles. In July, Waymo staff notified the San Mateo Police Department about two 15-year-old boys who were allegedly drinking alcohol and shooting water beads while riding in a vehicle, SFGATE previously reported.
