Waymo driverless car vandalized, set on fire in San Francisco’s Chinatown

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

A Waymo autonomous vehicle was set on fire Saturday night after it was vandalized by a group of people in Chinatown, San Francisco firefighters said.

The vehicle was traveling on Jackson Street, between Stockton and Grant, about 9:25 p.m. when it was surrounded by about 10 to 15 people, Lt. Mariano Elias with San Francisco fire said.

Several social media videos showed a group of people vandalizing the self-driving car. While another video showed the Waymo vehicle going up in flames.

A Waymo spokesperson said the group of people surrounded the car and started attacking it. The group tagged the car, broke the windows and Waymo told NBC Bay Area that someone set off a firework inside the driverless vehicle.

Waymo added that the car was not transporting any passengers and no injuries were reported.

In a statement to NBC Bay Area Sunday, the San Francisco Police Department said that it was investigating the fire. It asked that anyone with information reach out to 415-575-4444.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.