Dallas woman Jenna Ivey charged for Waymo vandalism

Authorities say Ivey has a history of targeting self-driving vehicles in the area.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:00pm

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Jenna Ivey, a 32-year-old resident of Dallas, Texas, has been charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief for a series of alleged attacks on Waymo autonomous vehicles in the city over the past several months. Police say Ivey has a history of targeting self-driving cars in the area.

Why it matters

Waymo, one of the leading developers of self-driving technology, has faced some backlash and vandalism incidents from residents in areas where it is testing its vehicles. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between autonomous vehicle companies and some members of the local community.

The details

According to police reports, Ivey has been accused of slashing tires, covering sensors, and otherwise damaging Waymo vehicles on at least three separate occasions since last November. Authorities say her actions have resulted in thousands of dollars in property damage and pose a potential safety risk to the public.

  • On November 15, 2025, Ivey allegedly damaged a Waymo vehicle's tires and sensors.
  • On January 3, 2026, Ivey allegedly covered the sensors on another Waymo car.
  • On March 10, 2026, Ivey was arrested and charged for the previous incidents.

The players

Jenna Ivey

A 32-year-old resident of Dallas, Texas who has been charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief for allegedly vandalizing Waymo autonomous vehicles.

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

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What they’re saying

“These attacks on our vehicles are unacceptable and put the public at risk. We will continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our operations.”

— John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo

What’s next

Ivey is scheduled to appear in court next week, where a judge will determine if she will be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between autonomous vehicle companies and some members of the local community, raising questions about public acceptance of self-driving technology and the appropriate response to vandalism incidents.