Police say a Tesla driver has been arrested for DUI after being found passed out while behind the wheel. (Vacaville Police Department)
Vacaville, Calif.
Police in California have arrested a man for driving under the influence after they say he was found passed out while behind the wheel of a moving autonomous vehicle.
According to the Vacaville Police Department, a resident called dispatch last Wednesday afternoon after seeing a driver appearing to be unconscious in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that was driving on its own through busy city streets.
The caller provided real-time details to police, allowing officers to find the man and stop the vehicle.
Police said they checked if the driver was having a medical emergency, but found him to be under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana.
Vacaville police said a Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon carrier and a box of Round Table Pizza were among the items seen in the man’s vehicle.
Authorities didn’t identify the driver or the car, but it can be seen as a Tesla model with the vehicle’s unique door handles shown in the department’s pictures.
Police warned that drivers are permitted to use newer assistive driving safety features in their vehicles. But they need to be conscious, alert and not under the influence while operating them.
Vacaville officers thanked the community for their help.