For one Kenwood High School student in Baltimore on Monday night, that scenario was a reality. Police ultimately handcuffed him after an AI system mistakenly flagged his bag of chips as a firearm. The shotgun assault happened as Allen sat outside with friends, eating a snack. When police officers responded to a report of a suspicious person with a weapon, they sprung into action. The report was the result of that school’s gun detection system, which employs artificial intelligence and sophisticated surveillance camera technology.
When officers finally made contact with Allen, they pulled out their guns and ordered him to lie down. From there, witnesses reported that the police forced Allen onto his knees and put him in handcuffs. After they searched him, the officers assured him that he was not in possession of any weapons. What happened at Kenwood High School. Meanwhile, last year Baltimore County high schools began using an AI-driven gun detection system to make schools safer by detecting guns before they can be used.
The school’s full statement regarding the shooting demonstrably traumatic not just to Allen but to the students who saw it occur. They promised that counselors would be on hand to help anyone traumatized by the standoff.
“We understand how upsetting this was for the individual that was searched as well as the other students who witnessed the incident. 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.” – School statement
Taki Allen described his confusion and fear during the encounter, stating, “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?’” He stressed that he was just carrying a bag of Doritos when cops thought it was a deadly weapon.
“I was just holding a Doritos bag – it was two hands and one finger out, and they said it looked like a gun,” – Taki Allen
Lamont Davis, Taki’s grandfather, said he was extremely worried over what these situations could mean. He commented on the stress and panic that parents are experiencing about their kids’ safety.
“Nobody wants this to happen to their child. No one wants this to happen.” – Lamont Davis
The Baltimore County police confirmed that officers from Precinct 11-Essex were dispatched in response to the report of a suspicious person with a weapon. Upon arriving on scene, they began searching right away. After their initial investigation arrests and detaining Allen, the police confirmed that Allen did not own any guns.
“Officers assigned to Precinct 11-Essex responded to Kenwood High School following a report of a suspicious person with a weapon. Once on scene, the person was searched and it was determined the subject was not in possession of any weapons.” – Baltimore county police