Overview
- A Waymo operator remotely pulled a robotaxi into a parking lot and contacted San Mateo police after noticing two 15-year-olds drinking alcohol and shooting Orbeez from the vehicle on Monday.
- San Mateo officers detained the teens with no reported injuries and released images showing multiple officers, some armed and a police dog present during the stop.
- Waymo’s support pages say vehicles have interior cameras and microphones that may be reviewed after incidents and that support can access live video in urgent situations.
- Coverage and social reaction split between praise that the company prevented a possible impaired-driving scenario and criticism that in-car monitoring led to heavy police involvement for toy guns.
- The episode follows other recent Waymo service incidents and is likely to prompt debate and possible review of when remote operators should intervene and how companies notify riders and police.