SAN MATEO, Calif. — Two 15-year-olds were detained after police said they were found drinking and firing gel ball blasters from inside a driverless Waymo vehicle as it traveled around San Mateo, California.
In a post on social media, the San Mateo Police Department said officers responded after Waymo contacted them and brought the vehicle to a stop. Police said they safely removed both teens and determined they had been shooting Orbeez-style water beads from the car while “sipping on afternoon libations” as the autonomous vehicle chauffeured them through town.
Waymo alerted authorities, and officers then stopped the vehicle, police said.
Officials warned that even projectiles fired from toy-style blasters can cause injuries or damage when launched at high speeds.
“While there was some ingenuity to this scheme, toy guns, water guns, and BB guns all pose real dangers, especially to an untrained eye,” police said. “The simple handling of them can cause fear in passersby or in those who don’t get a good look.”
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The department also noted the teens’ alleged alcohol use. “And let’s not forget the underage drinking,” the post continued. “All bad ideas today for these two.”
Still, police said there was one decision that likely prevented the situation from becoming more dangerous.
“The Waymo might have been the smartest idea yet, because driving impaired would’ve made this so much worse,” the department wrote.
It was not immediately clear whether the teens would face any charges.
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