News Summary
On October 26, 2025, a Baltimore County high school student was handcuffed by police after an AI gun detection system misidentified a bag of Doritos as a firearm. Taki Allen, 16, was waiting with friends for a ride home when police arrived with guns drawn, leading to substantial concern and outrage from the community. School officials defended the system’s protocols, while calls for accountability and a review of safety measures have emerged in light of the incident.
Baltimore
On October 26, 2025, a Baltimore County student was handcuffed at gunpoint after an AI gun detection system incorrectly identified a bag of Doritos as a firearm. The incident took place at Kenwood High School while 16-year-old Taki Allen was waiting with friends for a ride home after football practice.
The police were alerted to a suspicious individual reportedly carrying a weapon and arrived at the scene with guns drawn. Officers surrounded the group of students and detained Allen, handcuffing him and searching him before realizing that the flagged object was merely a bag of chips. Following confirmation that no weapon was present, the Department of School Safety and Security canceled the alert.
The body cam footage from the incident showed police expressing skepticism about the reliability of the AI system, with one officer commenting that “AI is not the best.” As a result of the incident, Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones questioned the police’s decision to approach a student with guns drawn over a snack food item.
School Officials Respond
Myriam Rodgers, superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, emphasized that the AI system operated as designed by issuing an alert that required human verification. Additionally, the principal of Kenwood High, Kate Smith, communicated with the school community about the situation through a letter, stating that counseling services would be available for affected students.
Company and Council Response
Omnilert, the company that developed the AI system, expressed regret over the incident but maintained that the established protocol had been correctly followed. Following the incident, council members called for a comprehensive review of the AI system in place at the schools, stressing the importance of implementing safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Community Reaction and Student’s Perspective
The incident has ignited outrage within the community and led to rising concerns regarding security protocols in schools. Taki Allen expressed feelings of fear and distress stemming from the event, stating he has not felt secure returning to school since the incident. His grandfather, Lamont Davis, has demanded accountability and a formal apology from school administration concerning how the situation was managed.
Background on the AI System
The AI gun detection system, which has been operational in Baltimore County schools since 2023, analyzes footage from the existing security camera network. Intended to enhance safety, the system’s recent failure has raised critical questions about its accuracy and the protocols surrounding its use. As school officials review their safety measures, the community remains concerned about the effectiveness of the technology currently employed to protect students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AI Gun Detection System Misidentifies Snack as Firearm in Baltimore
Concerns Raised Over AI Detection System in Baltimore Schools
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- The Guardian
- Google Search: AI gun detection system
- CNN
- Google Scholar: AI in school safety
- WMAR 2 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: AI technology
- WBAL TV
- Google News: Baltimore AI school incident
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
