Suspect Arrested in Attempt Vehicle Theft of Fully Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service Vehicle NR24083ma

Los Angeles: On March 3, 2024, a man was arrested after attempting to steal a fully autonomous driving vehicle belonging to Waymo.

On March 2, 2024, around 10:30 p.m., a fully autonomous driving vehicle, a white Jaguar sedan, dropped off a passenger on Main Street north of 1st Street. The suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Vincent Maurice Jones, entered the vehicle and sat in the driver’s seat. Jones attempted to put the vehicle in “Drive” but could not manipulate the controls. A Waymo representative used the communication system in the vehicle and warned Jones to exit the vehicle. Jones did not follow the instructions, and the representative contacted the LAPD. A Central Division police unit responded, and Jones was arrested for 664 487(D)(1) PC, Attempt Grand Theft Auto.