Drunk Teens Shooting Projectiles From Waymo Detained In SMC: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — Two 15-year-olds were detained Monday in San Mateo after Waymo reported they were drinking alcohol and shooting projectiles from one of its driverless vehicles, police said.

According to police, Waymo contacted officers after reporting the teens were drinking inside the vehicle and firing projectiles. The company remotely stopped the vehicle, allowing officers to safely detain both teens.

Police said the teens were firing Orbeez, small water-absorbing gel beads commonly used in toy blasters. The beads begin as tiny, hard pellets and expand dramatically after being soaked in water, becoming soft, jelly-like spheres.

Police warned that while Orbeez guns are marketed as toys, they can still pose safety risks. Toy guns, water guns and BB guns can easily be mistaken for real firearms, potentially alarming bystanders or responding officers. Projectiles fired at high speeds can also cause injuries or property damage, police said.

Officers also cited the teens' underage drinking and noted that using a driverless vehicle likely prevented an even more serious situation because neither teen was driving while impaired.

It was not immediately clear whether either teen would face criminal charges.