Waymo Sues Vandals

Attacks on robotaxis in San Francisco in recent months have made headlines around the world. Among other things, a Waymo robotaxi was torched by vandals in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and other attacks on robotaxis from Cruise and Waymo have also been reported and filmed.

Now, Wired magazine reports that Waymo has filed charges in California’s San Francisco Superior Court against two vandals who carried out particularly serious attacks on the Robotaxis. The first defendant is Konstantine Nikka-Sher Piterman, who is alleged to have deliberately rammed his Tesla Model 3 into a Waymo Robotaxi from behind several times.

In the Tesla case, Piterman “unlawfully, maliciously, and intentionally” sped his car past a stop sign and into a Waymo car in San Francisco on March 19, according to the company’s suit. When the Waymo tried to pull over, Piterman allegedly drove the Tesla into the Waymo car again. He then allegedly entered the Waymo and later threatened a Waymo representative who responded to the scene in person. San Francisco police cited Piterman, according to the lawsuit.

– Wired

He then posted his deed on X (formerly Twitter) and boasted about it to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Waymo is seeking $45,795 (€42,053.55) in damages from Piterman for the repairs and lost time, as well as the deletion of the tweet. Waymo is now demanding $137,000 (€125,810) in punitive damages

The second defendant is Ronaile Burton, who allegedly intentionally slashed the tires of 19 Waymo vehicles over the course of three days in San Francisco late last month – including some that were occupied by passengers at the time. Waymo is seeking $21,898.76 (€20,109.63) in compensation for the towing and new tires, as well as no less than $66,000 (€60,607.08) in punitive damages and other costs. The vehicles’ cameras recorded the slashing of the tires. Burton is currently in jail.

In the case of the aforementioned Waymo torched in Chinatown in February, San Francisco brought charges against a 14-year-old. He was one of the alleged perpetrators who attacked the Waymo and set it on fire.

After lengthy discussions, Waymo has decided to take decisive action against vandals who attack the company’s robotaxis. Waymo fears a loss of reputation if Waymo passengers are given the impression that they are not safe. Waymo also wants to deter copycats.

This article was also published in German.