A man has been arrested in Grapevine, Texas, after allegedly driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test its “Wade Mode” feature, which is designed to allow vehicles to navigate through shallow water. The incident occurred on Monday, May 18, prompting police action as the vehicle found itself stuck and taking on water.
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Emergency responders were called to Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp, where they discovered the Cybertruck partially submerged near the shoreline. Upon arrival, officers observed that the vehicle had become disabled, forcing the driver and his passengers to evacuate. According to the Grapevine Police Department, the driver admitted to intentionally driving into the lake to utilise the vehicle’s water-crossing capabilities.
The Tesla Cybertruck’s Owner’s Manual describes Wade Mode as a feature enabling the vehicle to traverse bodies of water, including rivers and creeks. However, it also cautions that the responsibility lies with the driver to assess water depth prior to entering. The manual further advises users to inspect underwater conditions and to proceed with caution, emphasising the importance of safely navigating potentially dangerous situations.
Despite these warnings, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, 45, reportedly told authorities that he had previously driven his Cybertruck in water without encountering any issues. Unfortunately, this attempt led to significant complications, as the vehicle began to fill with water. Eyewitness accounts and footage from social media illustrate the scene, showing the Cybertruck struggling in the water, necessitating help from the Grapevine Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team to remove it.
Upon their arrival, rescuers used a crane to retrieve the submerged vehicle from the lake. Following the incident, McDaniel was charged with operating a vehicle in a restricted area, as well as violating several water safety equipment regulations. Additionally, police confirmed that he did not possess a valid boat registration at the time of the incident.
The Grapevine Police Department has since issued a statement highlighting the legal and safety issues that can arise from driving vehicles such as the Cybertruck into freshwater environments. They noted that, while modern vehicles may be designed to handle certain conditions, such actions can lead to both legal consequences and safety hazards under Texas law.
After being taken into custody, McDaniel was released from Grapevine Jail the following evening, on May 19. As the investigation continues, officials have reached out to both the Grapevine Police Department and Tesla for further comment regarding the incident and vehicle guidelines.
This event serves as a cautionary tale for vehicle owners considering testing their vehicles’ capabilities in water. While the technology may enable certain features, understanding the associated risks remains essential for public safety. The Grapevine Police Department’s response underscores the importance of adhering to local laws and practices, promoting responsible vehicle operation in all environments.