Google Home Assistant Speaker Auto-Calls Police During Domestic Assault

Smart home devices are popular purchases for home users, but they're also increasingly capable of doing things that their owners might not expect. Eduardo Barros was house-sitting with his girlfriend and her daughter when the two got into an argument that became physical, ABC News reports. Barros allegedly pulled a firearm on his girlfriend and threatened to kill her, asking if she'd called the sheriff. The home speaker heard this as a command and proceeded to call the police. Deputies then arrived on the scene, removing Barros' girlfriend and her daughter from the home. A SWAT team and crisis negotiation team also came to the home and were able bring Barros into custody after an extended stand-off.