Amazon Echo Calls Sheriff During Domestic Dispute In New Mexico

An Amazon Echo is being credited for saving a mother and child during a domestic dispute in New Mexico.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department says they were contacted about a violent domestic dispute, not by a person, but by a home's Amazon Echo. According to a press release from Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, the voice-activated smart technology called the authorities after the offender, Eduardo Eduardo Barros, asked the victim if she called the sheriff. The victim was not only threatened by the man but he also allegedly hit her in the face with a handgun.

Here is what the press release had to say about the incident:

"During the altercation, Eduardo asked the victim "Did you call the sheriff?" This question, based on the victim's statements, prompted a smart home device known as "Alexa" to contact law enforcement. In the 911 recording the victim can be heard yelling 'Alexa call 911!'"

Once authorities arrived, the suspect barricaded himself in the home and wouldn't exit. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Crisis Negotiations team and the SWAT team responded and after a six hour standoff, the suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of a police canine.

Sheriff Manuel Gonzalez III was surprised but happy about the unexpected, technological assistance:

"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."