Waymo calls San Mateo police on teens for drinking, shooting toy guns from driverless vehicle

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Tuesday, July 7, 2026 8:53PM
Teen duo detained for drinking, shooting toy guys on Waymo joyride

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- Two 15-year-olds were detained after Waymo reported they were drinking and shooting gel ball blasters from a driverless vehicle while being driven around San Mateo, police said.

In a social post, San Mateo Police Department said, "After calling us and stopping the car, we were able to safely remove both subjects and determined they were shooting Orbeez (water beads) from the car as they sipped on afternoon libations while being chauffeured around town in the driverless vehicle."

Waymo contacted police, who stopped the vehicle at East 20th Avenue and El Camino Real.

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Authorities warn that shooting projectiles at high speed could cause real damage, even if they are from toy guns.

"While there was some ingenuity to this scheme, toy guns, water guns, and BB guns all pose real dangers, especially to an untrained eye. The simple handling of them can cause fear in passersby or in those who don't get a good look," said the police in their statement.

"And let's not forget the underage drinking," the post from the Police Department's official social media page continues to scold. "All bad ideas today for these two."

However, there was at least one thing the police say the teens got right.

"The Waymo might have been the smartest idea yet, because driving impaired would've made this so much worse."

It was not immediately clear whether the teens would face any charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

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