Experts Closely Monitoring Auto Shop Vandalism in NYC

A string of attacks on self-driving vehicles raises concerns about public safety and the future of autonomous technology in urban areas.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A heavily textured, sweeping oil paint brushstrokes in shades of grey, red, and black, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of self-driving car sensors.As tensions over autonomous vehicles escalate, a recent wave of targeted street vandalism exposes pent-up frustration with driverless technology.Seattle Today

A 45-year-old San Francisco man has been charged with multiple incidents of vandalism targeting Waymo autonomous vehicles in the city's SoMa neighborhood since July. The alleged perpetrator, Walker Reed Quinn, has a history of similar offenses and is currently out on bail, sparking debate about bail reform and the regulation of self-driving cars in residential areas.

Why it matters

Waymo, one of the most visible self-driving car companies, has faced some backlash from residents in San Francisco's SoMa district, which has historically had high rates of property crime. This case highlights growing concerns about repeat offenders, public safety, and the potential need for special laws or policies to govern autonomous vehicles in urban environments.

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. The attacks have resulted in extensive property damage and raised concerns about the perpetrator's mental health.

  • 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

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.