Robot Dog Helps LAPD With Bus Standoff In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Police deployed a robot dog as part of a two-hour standoff with a man suspected of carrying a gun on a bus in Hollywood Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A SWAT team was sent to the area of Western and Melrose avenues at around 4:40 p.m. in response to a report of a man carrying a gun on the city bus. The man was taken into custody about two hours later, according to police.

The LAPD deployed its Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle robot as part of its response. Produced by Boston Dynamics, the four-legged machines are often known as "robot dogs" that periodically appear in viral videos.

Officers used the robot to get a closer look at the suspect, who ultimately surrendered, according to police.

The LAPD was gifted the robot earlier this year, which was met with controversy by some members of the City Council and the public.

Chief Michael Moore at the time said that the department planned to use the machine in restricted circumstances such as "an active shooter, explosive device, hostage, natural disaster, hazardous material, barricaded suspect or search and rescue."

City News Service contributed to this report.