Car 1, thief 0: Self-driving vehicle outsmarts would-be carjacker

In a recent incident in Los Angeles, a homeless man found himself in hot waters after attempting to steal a Waymo self-driving car, NBC News reported. 

The arrest on suspicion of grand theft auto occurred when the man, identified as Vincent Maurice Jones, entered the white autonomous vehicle right after it had dropped off a passenger on Main Street north of 1st Street.

The Los Angeles Police Department disclosed that Jones, aged 33, tried to manipulate the controls to drive the car but was thwarted by the vehicle's advanced technology. A police statement, detailing the unsuccessful attempt, said: "Jones attempted to put the vehicle in 'Drive' but could not manipulate the controls."

When a Waymo representative discovered the intrusion, they utilised the car's online communications system to instruct Jones to exit. Despite this, Jones refused, prompting the company to involve the police. Subsequently, a Central Division police unit responded, leading to Jones's arrest for attempted grand theft auto.

The police did not confirm whether charges had been filed or if Jones was still in custody. In California, attempted grand theft auto carries potential penalties of up to three years in prison for felony charges and one year for misdemeanour charges.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the Waymo vehicle remained undamaged. Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary, has been conducting autonomous vehicle tests in Los Angeles for over a year. Recent developments have granted Waymo approval to officially expand its self-driving services into Los Angeles County.