Waymo Robotaxi Reportedly Remained Immobilized While Vandals Smashed Vehicle with Passenger Inside
On May 9, 2026, two men reportedly stopped and vandalized a Waymo robotaxi carrying passenger Sherman Watson at Pierce and Lombard streets in San Francisco. The autonomous driving system reportedly remained immobilized after one man grabbed the bumper, and remote support declined Watson's request to move the vehicle while the attackers smashed its windows and climbed on it. Watson reported a possible glass cut, sought therapy, and said he feared he would be killed.
- Date it happened
- 2026-05-09
- Organisation involved
- Waymo, Robotaxi operators, Automated driving system deployers
- Product, system or model
- Waymo Driver, Remote assistance and fleet management system, Automated driving systems
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