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Santa Monica Police Investigate String of Waymo Vandalism Incidents
Authorities charge local man with multiple attacks on self-driving vehicles
Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:22am
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As tensions over autonomous vehicles escalate, a recent wave of targeted street vandalism exposes pent-up frustration with driverless technology.Santa Monica TodayA 45-year-old San Francisco man has been arrested and charged by police in a series of alleged vandalism incidents targeting Waymo autonomous vehicles in the SoMa neighborhood of Santa Monica since July. The suspect, Walker Reed Quinn, is accused of damaging Waymo cars by removing sensors, slashing tires, and stomping on windshields.
Why it matters
Waymo has faced some resident backlash and instances of vandalism as one of the most visible self-driving taxi companies operating in Santa Monica. The SoMa neighborhood has historically had high rates of property crime, although incident levels have declined in recent years.
The details
In three separate incidents, police said Walker Reed Quinn has been damaging Waymo vehicles since July by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield.
- On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
- On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
- On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.
The players
Waymo
An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.
Walker Reed Quinn
A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Santa Monica.”
— Robert Jenkins, Santa Monica resident
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on Santa Monica streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
