AI Gun Detection System Mistakes Doritos Bag for Weapon, Student Handcuffed in Baltimore School

A high school student in Baltimore was handcuffed by police. This followed a false alarm from an AI security system. The incident occurred at Kenwood High School in Maryland. The system flagged a bag of chips as a possible firearm.

Baltimore County officials are now demanding a review. They want to know why the AI system triggered a full police response. School safety officials confirmed no weapon was ever found.

Student Describes Distressing Police Encounter

The student, speaking to CNN affiliate WBAL, described the moment. He was waiting for a ride home with friends. Police then approached him and placed him in handcuffs.

He was searched and found to have nothing. Officers then located a bag of Doritos on the floor nearby. The teen explained he was holding the chip bag with two hands, with one finger out. The AI system interpreted this shape as a gun.

County Officials Call for System Review and Accountability

According to CNN, the AI system is operated by a company called Omnialert. The company expressed regret over the error. They stressed their technology is meant to flag potential threats for human review, not act autonomously.

Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka issued a strong statement. He said no child should be accosted by police for eating chips. The principal of Kenwood High confirmed the security alert was cancelled after no firearm was discovered. This event highlights the challenges of using new technology for school safety.

The Baltimore student handcuffed over a bag of chips underscores a critical debate. The reliability of AI gun detection systems is now under intense scrutiny. This incident will likely influence how schools implement automated security.

Thought you’d like to know

What company made the AI system involved?

The system was operated by a company called Omnialert. The company stated the technology is designed to flag potential threats for human review. They expressed regret over the mistaken identification.

Was the student formally charged?

No, the student was not charged with any crime. Police determined he was unarmed after completing their search. The security alert was officially cancelled by the school.

How did the police respond to the AI alert?

The police response was significant. The student reported seeing eight police cars arrive at the school. He was handcuffed while officers conducted their investigation.

What has been the official reaction?

Baltimore County officials are calling for a full review of the incident. A county councilman stated that no child should face police action for having a snack. The process that led to the handcuffing is being examined.

Why are schools using this AI technology?

Schools are deploying these tools amid rising concerns over mass shootings. The goal is to enhance safety by detecting potential firearms. This case shows the technology can sometimes produce false positives.