Teen student handcuffed after AI mistakes bag of chips for gun

A 16-year-old student from Baltimore, Maryland was detained by police after an AI weapon detection system mistakenly identified a bag of chips in his pocket for a firearm.

On Oct. 20, Taki Allen had just finished eating a bag of Doritos after football practice at Kenwood High School and placed the empty packet in his pocket. Twenty minutes later, the police arrived. 

"They made me get on my knees, put my hands behind my back, and cuffed me. Then, they searched mea and they figured out I had nothing," Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News, adding that officers showed him a photo that triggered the AI detector.

"I was just holding a Doritos bag—it was two hands and one finger out, and they said it looked like a gun," the teen continued.

The Baltimore County Police Department clarified to BBC News that the student was detained but not arrested after it was determined that there was no threat.

School principal Kate Smith issued a letter to parents explaining the incident and assuring that no weapon was found.

"We understand how upsetting this was for the individual [who] was searched as well as the other students who witnessed the incident. Our counselors will provide direct supoprt ot the students who were involved in this incident and are also available to speak with any student who may need support," she said.

“Please know that ensuring the safety of our students and school community is one of our highest priorities."

Omnilert, the provider of the AI tool, expressed regret over the incident.  

“We regret this incident occurred and wish to convey our concern to the student and the wider community affected by the events that followed,” the company said to BBC News.

They also emphasized that the system “functioned as intended” to prioritize safety and awareness.

In an interview with WMAR-2, Allen shared that he no longer feels safe lingering outside after practice.

“I don’t think no chip bag should be mistaken for a gun at all.” 

In May 2024, Baltimore County Public Schools announced that it would implement firearm detection technology in all school buildings through internal and external cameras. The technology sends an alert to select public schools and the police when a firearm is identified.