‘Just holding a Doritos bag’: Student handcuffed after AI system mistook bag of chips for weapon

This Sept. 26, 2014 photo shows Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

An artificial intelligence detector led police to believe a person was armed with a weapon at a Baltimore County school — when it turns out, they had a bag of chips.

Taki Allen was sitting with friends Monday night outside Kenwood High School, eating a bag of chips after football practice. About 20 minutes later, police officers showed up with guns, walking toward Allen.

“It was like eight cop cars that came pulling up for us. 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 told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Allen said police told him an AI detector thought his bag of chips — which he crumpled and placed in his pocket when he was finished — was a weapon.

“They made me get on my knees, put my hands behind my back, and cuffed me. Then, they searched me and they figured out I had nothing,” Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News. “Then, they went over to where I was standing and found a bag of chips on the floor.”

Police showed Allen the picture 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,” Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News.

County police sent a statement Tuesday afternoon to WBAL-TV 11 News, saying: “On Monday evening, at approximately 7:20 p.m., 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. I would refer you to BCPS regarding questions pertaining to Omnilert.”

Last year, Baltimore County high schools began using a gun detection system that employs AI to detect potential weapons by utilizing existing school cameras. The system can identify a possible weapon and send an alert to the school safety team and law enforcement.

“Nobody wants this to happen to their child. No one wants this to happen,” said Lamont Davis, Allen’s grandfather.

In a letter to parents after the incident, the school’s principal said:

“I am writing to provide information on an incident that occurred last night on school property. At approximately 7 p.m., school administration received an alert that an individual on school grounds may have been in possession of a weapon. The Department of School Safety and Security quickly reviewed and canceled the initial alert after confirming there was no weapon. I contacted our school resource officer (SRO) and reported the matter to him, and he contacted the local precinct for additional support. Police officers responded to the school, searched the individual and quickly confirmed that they were not in possession of any weapons. 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. “Please know that ensuring the safety of our students and school community is one of our highest priorities. We work closely with Baltimore County police to ensure that we can promptly respond to any potential safety concerns, and it is essential that we all work together to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all Kenwood High School students and staff.”

WBAL-TV 11 News reached out to Omnilert, the AI gun detection software company used by Baltimore County Public Schools, but the company said it doesn’t comment on internal school procedures.