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A 45-year-old San Francisco resident has been charged with multiple incidents of vandalism against Waymo autonomous vehicles in the city's SoMa neighborhood since July. The alleged perpetrator, Walker Reed Quinn, is accused of damaging Waymo cars by removing sensors, slashing tires, and stomping on windshields, raising concerns about public safety and the ongoing tensions between self-driving technology and some local residents.

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 San Francisco. The SoMa neighborhood has historically had high rates of property crime, although incident levels have declined in recent years. This case highlights the challenges autonomous vehicle companies can face in gaining full community acceptance, even as the technology advances.

The details

In three separate incidents since July, police said Walker Reed Quinn has been accused of damaging Waymo vehicles by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, slashing the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield while someone was inside the vehicle.

  • 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.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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 SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.