Waymo robotaxi reports teens drinking, firing gel beads

Two 15-year-old passengers in a Waymo robotaxi were detained by police in San Mateo, California, on Monday, July -6, 2026, after the autonomous vehicle detected and reported their misconduct to authorities. According to the San Mateo Police Department, the teens were drinking alcohol and firing gel bead projectiles, known as Orbeez, from inside the moving driverless car.

Officers responded to a call from Waymo's support team, which had been monitoring the ride. The vehicle was stopped in a parking lot until police arrived. Video released by the department shows several officers approaching the parked Waymo with weapons drawn before safely removing the two youths. No injuries were reported, and the teens were not publicly identified.

The incident highlights the enforcement capabilities built into autonomous ride-hailing services. Waymo's vehicles are equipped with interior cameras and sensors that a support team can monitor. According to the company's public documentation, this system is used to promote safety, assist in emergencies, and ensure in-car rules are followed. In urgent circumstances, the team can access live video during a trip, which is how the company identified the...