Smart speaker alerts authorities of domestic dispute

An alleged assault at a residence in New Mexico was stopped thanks to a smart home alerting authorities.

According to the report, Eduardo Barros and his girlfriend got into a fight at a residence in Tijeras, New Mexico. He allegedly had a firearm, physically attacked her, and threatened to kill her.

Barros asked her, “Did you call the sheriffs?” It turns out that a smart speaker that was hooked up to surround sound in the home recognized that as a command and alerted authorities.

Deputies arrived on scene and removed the girlfriend and daughter from the residence. The woman was found injured from the assault but did not go to the hospital. Her daughter was unharmed, according to police.

Barros was taken into custody by a crisis negotiation team and SWAT team after several hours of a stand-off. Authorities stated that the smart device played a potentially life-saving role in the incident.

“The unexpected use of this new technology to contact emergency services has possibly helped save a life,” said Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III in a statement to ABC News. “This amazing technology definitely helped save a mother and her child from a very violent situation.”

Barros faces the following charges: possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon, aggravated battery against a household member, aggravated assault against a household member, and false imprisonment.

Via ABC News