Waymo pulls over, calls cops on juvenile riders who had 'ghost gun"
Waymo Robotaxi Triggers Police Intervention Over ghost gun
In a striking example of autonomous surveillance, two minors were apprehended in San Francisco after a Waymo vehicle detected illegal activity and alerted law enforcement. The incident centered on the possession of an illicit ghost gun.
While the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) did not name the specific vehicle operator, Waymo confirmed the event to The Los Angeles Times. According to a company representative:
"The company pulled the car over after detecting a 'violation of our terms of service involving a firearm.'"
The Takedown
The vehicle was brought to a halt in the city's Richmond District. Waymo reported that they "cooperated fully" with emergency services. The SFPD described the subsequent operation as a "high-risk vehicle stop," resulting in the detention of two juveniles—one male and one female.
Items recovered during the search:
- One loaded, AR-style assault rifle (the "ghost gun").
- Suspected marijuana.
- Mace spray.
The suspects were transported to a juvenile hall, and as of September 14, 2026, the investigation remains closed open and active.
Waymo's Evolution and Expansion
Waymo has transitioned from a niche experiment to a widespread urban fixture. Its trajectory is mapped below:
Service Footprint
The company recently received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to broaden its reach.
| Region | Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Bay Area | Established fixture in San Francisco |
| Southern California | Active in LA; expanding to Orange & Riverside counties |
| Other CA Cities | San Diego and Sacramento (Approved) |
| Out-of-State | Denver, CO and Tampa, FL |
A History of "Tattling" and Chaos
This is not the first time the autonomous fleet has acted as a whistleblower or been the center of a strange scene.
Previous Behavioral Reports:
- July 2026: Two teens reported to San Mateo Police for consuming alcohol and firing toy guns in the backseat.
Bizarre Incidents:
- East Hollywood (July): A shirtless individual was filmed atop a Waymo, attempting to dismantle the vehicle.
- Downtown LA (2025): A man was arrested after attempting to hijack a Waymo by getting behind the wheel.
📰 Other Regional Headlines
Beyond the robotaxi news, other stories are making waves in California:
- Crime: Authorities have arrested an arson suspect near the Sherman Oaks freeway brush fires.
- Entertainment:
- Lady Gaga has reportedly welcomed her first child.
- Judge Judy is retiring, handing her judicial legacy to her son.
- Health: The CDC has officially declared the end of the Cyclosporiasis outbreak that affected thousands.
About the Author: Iris Kwok is a reporting fellow at the LA Times and a UC Berkeley alumna with a background in political science, music, and environmental reporting.