Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, has faced yet another incident of vandalism in San Francisco. A resident of Castro Valley has been charged with slashing the tires of 17 Waymo robotaxis between June 24 and June 26. This act of vandalism was captured by cameras installed on the exterior of Waymo vehicles, providing crucial evidence for the case.
This incident is not the first act of hostility towards Waymo in San Francisco. In February, a group of individuals in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood set a Waymo vehicle on fire, while a year ago, others placed traffic cones on top of autonomous vehicles to disable them. These incidents highlight the ongoing frustration and resistance some residents have towards autonomous vehicles.
Waymo’s technology has played a significant role in identifying the suspect responsible for the tire slashings. The San Francisco Police Department reviewed the footage from Waymo’s exterior cameras to identify the individual in question. Waymo spokesperson Katherine Barna confirmed that charges have been brought against the suspect and that Waymo will take steps to recover damages and prevent future incidents.
Prosecutors believe that these tire slashings are connected to another case of robotaxi vandalism in San Francisco. The same suspect is alleged to have approached a three-car caravan of Waymo vehicles during the same time period and stabbed a knife into their tires. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins commended the police department for their investigation and emphasized that those who vandalize property must be held accountable.
The suspect has pleaded not guilty to all 17 charges, and each vehicle’s damage is estimated to be over $400. Prosecutors have placed the suspect in custody without bail, citing the potential risk to public safety. The court date is scheduled for July 12.
Waymo takes the privacy and security of its footage seriously, carefully reviewing requests from law enforcement before providing access to its videos. The company rejects requests that lack a valid legal basis or are overly broad.
While incidents like these highlight the ongoing resistance towards autonomous vehicles, it’s crucial to address concerns and frustrations through legal and peaceful means. Vandalism and destruction of property are not the solution, and individuals must be held accountable for their actions. As autonomous vehicles continue to develop and become more prevalent, open dialogue and education are essential to fostering acceptance and understanding within communities.
