A robbery suspect who targeted a Fairfax District grocery store was arrested after attempting to flee the scene in an autonomous vehicle, according to reports confirmed by Los Angeles Police Department to KTLA. The incident reportedly occurred near 8:30 p.m. at a Ralphs grocery store at the intersection of West 3rd Street and La Brea Avenue.
Marred by limited details, the current understanding is that the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of merchandise from the store. The individual then encountered a security guard, leading to an altercation before escape was attempted using a Waymo driverless vehicle. Unverified reports suggest that the individual resorted to the use of pepper spray to avoid capture by the stores security guard. This minor detail, however, is yet to be confirmed by the police.
Police officers were informed post incident that the suspected criminal had fled the scene in a Waymo vehicle. In due course, the authorities managed to locate the autonomous vehicle and subsequently apprehend the suspect. KTLA obtained traffic stop footage, revealing that at least four patrol vehicles had trailed behind the suspect before the autonomous vehicle came to a halt three miles from the scene at the intersection of South Wilton Place and Country Club Drive in Arlington Heights.
After the vehicle stopped, police officers surrounded it, guns drawn, and ordered the suspect to surrender. The individual was quickly placed in custody and transported in a police car. As a part of its operational protocol, Waymo software is programmed to recognize and respond appropriately to law enforcement signals, including sirens and flashing lights. Additionally, if a Waymo journey is interrupted due to law enforcement interaction, the Support team is notified and communicates with the passengers and law enforcement officials to resolve the matter.
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