AI Security System Mistakes Student's Chip Bag for Gun: Maryland Teen Wrongfully Detained by Police

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A teenager in Baltimore County, Maryland was detained by police officers after an artificial intelligence security system incorrectly identified his bag of Doritos chips as a firearm. The student, Taki Allen, was simply enjoying snacks with friends outside Kenwood High School on Monday evening when the troubling incident occurred.

The AI-powered surveillance system developed by Omnilert triggered an alert to school and law enforcement officials, who responded to the scene with weapons drawn. They immediately instructed Allen to lie on the ground.

"At first, I didn't know where they were going until they started walking toward me with guns, talking about, 'Get on the ground,' and I was like, 'What?'" Allen explained in an interview with WBAL-TV 11 News.

Officers handcuffed and searched the student but found no weapon. Later review of the footage revealed only a crumpled chip bag, which the AI system had apparently misidentified as a gun.

"I was just holding a Doritos bag - it was two hands and one finger out, and they said it looked like a gun," Allen recounted.

This incident has raised significant concerns about the reliability and potential consequences of using artificial intelligence systems for security surveillance, particularly the risk of false alarms.

Kenwood High School administration issued an apology to Allen and other students who witnessed the distressing event. "We understand how upsetting this was for the individual that was searched as well as the other students who witnessed the incident," the school stated in a letter to families obtained by WBAL TV 11 News.

"Our counselors will provide direct support to the students who were involved in this incident and are also available to speak with any student who may need support."

Omnilert, the company responsible for developing the AI security system, also released a statement expressing 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 told BBC News.