In a bold attempt that underscores the challenges facing the integration of autonomous vehicles into urban environments, an unhoused individual was arrested early Sunday morning on suspicion of grand theft auto. The incident, which unfolded in downtown Los Angeles, involved an attempt to steal a Waymo self-driving car.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect, identified as Vincent Maurice Jones, 34, made his move at approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday. He entered a Waymo vehicle that had momentarily stopped to let out a passenger at the intersection of 1st and Main Streets. The vehicle, part of Waymo’s autonomous fleet currently under testing in Los Angeles, was immediately identified as being tampered with by an “unauthorized pedestrian,” as per a Waymo spokesperson.
The company’s Rider Support team swiftly intervened, instructing Jones to exit the vehicle through the car’s communication system. When he failed to comply, Waymo personnel contacted the police. LAPD officers arrived at the scene, successfully removing Jones from the vehicle and placing him under arrest by 12:15 a.m. Sunday.
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No injuries were reported in the incident, and the vehicle sustained no damage, according to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli. The self-driving car remained stationary throughout the ordeal due to the company’s safety protocols, which prevent the vehicle from moving with an unauthorized individual inside.
Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc., has been at the forefront of developing self-driving technology. The company has been permitted to operate fully autonomous vehicles as part of its testing and promotional efforts in Los Angeles for over a year. Despite its advancements, Waymo’s expansion has not been without controversy. Incidents of public backlash, including a recent event where a Waymo vehicle was vandalized and set ablaze in San Francisco’s Chinatown, highlight the societal and regulatory challenges faced by the emerging technology.
The California Public Utilities Commission recently approved Waymo’s plans to expand its operations into San Mateo and Los Angeles counties, despite objections from local officials. Critics, including L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Mayor Karen Bass, have called for greater local involvement in the regulatory approval process, citing safety concerns and the need for more stringent oversight.
This latest incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technological innovation, public safety, and the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks to guide the integration of autonomous vehicles into public life.
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