Video: Self-Driving Waymo Taxi Enters LAPD Standoff Scene

The LAPD encountered a surprise guest during a standoff Monday when a self-driving taxi briefly entered the area where officers were working.

The intrusion happened at about 3:40 a.m. when officers were making a high-risk felony arrest following a stolen vehicle chase, KABC-TV reports. That's when a Waymo taxi carrying a passenger entered the scene as a suspect was on the ground and surrendering to police.

A bystander video captured the bizarre scene as the car turned away from the scene, briefly paused and then continued on its way. In the footage, the suspect is seen lifting his head to view the perplexing scene.

According to police, the strange incident did not affect the arrest, adding that the department is in regular contact with Waymo.

"Safety is our highest priority at Waymo, both for people who choose to ride with us and with whom we share the streets," the company said in a statement, adding that the taxi was only in the area for about 15 seconds. "When we encounter unusual events like this one, we learn from them as we continue improving road safety and operating in dynamic cities."