Video: Self-Driving Waymo Taxi Enters LAPD Standoff Scene

Bystander video footage captured a Waymo autonomous taxi driving a passenger into an intersection as LAPD officers were making a high-felony arrest following a chase, with the suspect surrendering on the ground.
Dec. 4, 2025

What to know

• An LAPD felony-arrest standoff was briefly interrupted when a Waymo self-driving taxi carrying a passenger drove into the active scene during a stolen-vehicle takedown.

• Bystander video showed the autonomous car pause, turn away and leave as the suspect surrendered.

• LAPD officials said the intrusion didn't affect the arrest, and Waymo said taxi was only in the area for about 15 seconds.

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."

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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