The New York Times reported Monday that more than 20 incidents of vandalism on the vehicles have occurred since 2017, when Waymo arrived in Chandler, Arizona. Alphabet - owned autonomous driving company Waymo has come under attack from some residents in Phoenix , Arizona , since it began testing self - driving vehicles in 2017 . According to the New York Times , there have been more than 20 incidents , ranging from cars being attacked to other drivers attempting to run Waymo vans off the road . The company 's backup drivers have also been targeted , including one by an armed attacker . Police said " a few bad apples " were behind the attacks . The firm 's vehicles have been involved in several incidents , including the death of a cyclist last year .
Alphabet - owned autonomous driving company Waymo has come under attack from some residents in Phoenix , Arizona , since it began testing self - driving vehicles in 2017 . According to the New York Times , there have been more than 20 incidents , ranging from cars being attacked to other drivers attempting to run Waymo vans off the road . The company 's backup drivers have also been targeted , including one by an armed attacker . Police said " a few bad apples " were behind the attacks . The firm 's vehicles have been involved in several incidents , including the death of a cyclist last year .