No matter your thoughts on modern tech, this smart speaker just saved someone who was in life-threatening circumstances.
A smart home device alerted authorities to a domestic incident on June 2 at a residence in Tijeras, New Mexico, when 28-year-old Eduardo Barros allegedly threatened to kill his girlfriend.
Barros allegedly wielded a firearm during a violent domestic altercation, asking his partner: “Did you call the sheriffs?”
A smart speaker, which was hooked up to a surround sound system inside the home, recognised his question as a voice command and called 911, local police say.
HandoutThe Bernalillo County sheriff’s department spokesperson, Deputy Felicia Romero reported that cops arrived on the scene and removed the woman – who was injured after allegedly being hit her in the face with a 9mm handgun, thrown on the ground and kicked at least 10 times – and her daughter from the residence. Her daughter was unharmed, according to Romero.
However, Barros refused to cooperate and a stand-off lasting a number of hours ensued, eventually controlled by a SWAT team.
Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III in a statement:
The unexpected use of this new technology to contact emergency services has possibly helped save a life. This amazing technology definitely helped save a mother and her child from a very violent situation.
**Smart Speaker Contacts Law Enforcement During Violent Domestic Dispute**Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III stated, “The…
Posted by Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office on Monday, 10 July 2017
Barros has been charged with possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon, aggravated battery against a household member, aggravated assault against a household member.
He has also been charged with false imprisonment, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.