Driver intentionally drove Cybertruck into lake to use vehicle's 'Wade Mode,' police say

*** cyber truck not only got stuck, but its driver ran out of luck getting arrested after officials say he intentionally drove into *** Texas lake. Video shows the Tesla truck driving in the waters of Grapevine Lake near Dallas. Police say they believe the driver was intentionally trying to demonstrate the vehicle's weighed mode capabilities. Shortly thereafter, the truck is seen halted and partially submerged, with video showing eyewitness. is appearing to help someone through the window. Authorities say no injuries were reported, but the driver was arrested on charges of operating *** vehicle in *** closed section of the lake, as well as several water safety equipment violations. Grapevine PD later reminded others on social media that although *** vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law. Another questionable decision by another truck driver led to *** caught on cam collision with *** Nebraska deputy. Dashcam video shared by Douglas County shows *** pickup truck zip around *** van at *** light and turn right into the path of *** Nebraska state trooper responding to an emergency. The sheriff's office said the resulting crash didn't injure the deputy or their canine partner. However, the department's cruiser was not so lucky. The driver of the pickup was cited for failing to yield. Finally, *** Wisconsin driver had *** close call inside her car when *** 3-foot steel beam fell onto the roof right beside her, while inside *** Madison City tunnel, dash cam video showed the moment of impact shaking the entire vehicle, and the driver says the beam nearly pierced the roof, missing her by mere feet. WKOW reports Madison City officials plan *** full safety inspection following the close call. For take *** look at this, I'm Jeremy Roth.

Updated: 2:21 PM EDT May 21, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Updated: 2:21 PM EDT May 21, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

First responders had to remove a Tesla Cybertruck from a lake in North Texas on Monday evening after the Grapevine Police Department said the driver intentionally drove it into the water.See video in the player above.Officers responded to Grapevine Lake around 8 p.m. and found the Cybertruck in the lake near the shoreline. Officials said the driver, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, told them he intentionally drove the vehicle into the lake to try to use its "Wade Mode" feature. However, the Cybertruck was disabled and took on water, police said, prompting the driver and a passenger to abandon it.Wade Mode, according to Tesla's website, allows a Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or creeks. However, the feature should only be used if the maximum depth of the water is approximately 32 inches, measuring from the bottom of the tire, according to Tesla. Emergency officials were able to remove the vehicle from the lake.McDaniel was arrested and charged with operation of a vehicle in a closed section of the lake, not having a valid boat registration and other water safety equipment violations.The Grapevine Police Department reminds drivers that while a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so could create legal and safety concerns under Texas law.

GRAPEVINE, Texas —

First responders had to remove a Tesla Cybertruck from a lake in North Texas on Monday evening after the Grapevine Police Department said the driver intentionally drove it into the water.

See video in the player above.

Officers responded to Grapevine Lake around 8 p.m. and found the Cybertruck in the lake near the shoreline.

Officials said the driver, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, told them he intentionally drove the vehicle into the lake to try to use its "Wade Mode" feature. However, the Cybertruck was disabled and took on water, police said, prompting the driver and a passenger to abandon it.

Wade Mode, according to Tesla's website, allows a Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or creeks. However, the feature should only be used if the maximum depth of the water is approximately 32 inches, measuring from the bottom of the tire, according to Tesla.

Emergency officials were able to remove the vehicle from the lake.

McDaniel was arrested and charged with operation of a vehicle in a closed section of the lake, not having a valid boat registration and other water safety equipment violations.

The Grapevine Police Department reminds drivers that while a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so could create legal and safety concerns under Texas law.

Make WLKY a preferred source on Google

Driver intentionally drove Cybertruck into lake to use vehicle's 'Wade Mode,' police say

Weather Information

Share

Top Picks