CRIME & LAW

Driver Tests Cybertruck Wade Mode, Gets Stuck, Arrested

PUBLISHED May 20, 2026, 1:50 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

Grapevine, Texas: A 70-year-old man, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, intentionally drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake on Monday night while giving two German visitors a ride, became stuck near a boat ramp around 8 p.m., and was subsequently arrested. All three occupants escaped through a window and the Grapevine Fire Department later towed the vehicle from the water. Police charged McDaniel and he remained in custody following the incident; Grapevine Police Media Manager Katharina Gamboa warned, 'Don't drive into the water with your vehicle.' McDaniel told reporters he had used Wade Mode before and suspects water entered the charging port, disabling steering; firefighters and divers retrieved the Cybertruck Monday night.

By Sidra | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Driver deliberately enters Grapevine Lake in a Tesla Cybertruck around 8 p.m. on Monday.
All three occupants exit the vehicle through a window and remain safe at the scene.
Bystanders record video as the partially submerged vehicle remains near the shoreline.
Grapevine Police arrive, arrest the driver, and secure the area for investigation.
Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team tows the Cybertruck from the lake.

News Intelligence

This incident is a reminder that vehicle safety features have limits. Even if your car has advanced tech like Tesla's 'Wade Mode', it's not designed for deep water. Always follow safety guidelines and avoid risky stunts. Check your vehicle's manual to understand its capabilities.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Local tow operators, insurers, and safety instructors may see increased business and attention following the rescue and vehicle recovery operations.

Who Impacted

The driver faces arrest and legal consequences; local emergency responders and lake users experienced operational disruption and heightened safety risk.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Local tow operators, insurers, and safety instructors may see increased business and attention following the rescue and vehicle recovery operations.

Who Impacted

The driver faces arrest and legal consequences; local emergency responders and lake users experienced operational disruption and heightened safety risk.