Texas man arrested after driving Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake in attempted ‘Wade Mode’ test
A 70-year-old man, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, was arrested after deliberately driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake at Katie’s Woods boat ramp Monday evening to test “Wade Mode.” The vehicle became partially submerged and disabled; no injuries were reported.
- Intentional water entry: The Cybertruck was driven down a public boat ramp and became partially submerged while taking on water.
- Arrest and charges: Driver Jimmy Jack McDaniel, 70, was booked on multiple counts including operating a vehicle in a closed area and water-safety violations.
- Response: Grapevine Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team recovered the vehicle; occupants exited safely and no injuries were reported.
- Safety note: Tesla’s Wade Mode is for controlled, shallow crossings and is not a license to use vehicles as boats in public waters.
The scene and police account
Grapevine Police say officers were dispatched Monday night after calls that a stainless‑steel Tesla Cybertruck was partially submerged near the shoreline at Katie’s Woods boat ramp. Photographs released by authorities show the pickup’s rear and part of the body partly under water while emergency crews worked nearby.
Officers found the occupants onshore; no one was injured, Grapevine Police said. Officials posted updates including a Grapevine Police Department Facebook post documenting the scene and response.
Driver, arrest and charges
Local coverage identified the driver as Jimmy Jack McDaniel, 70. According to reports, McDaniel told officers he deliberately drove the Cybertruck down the ramp and into the lake to try the truck’s Wade Mode feature. He was arrested at the scene and booked into the Grapevine jail.
Police cited several violations, including:
- Operating a vehicle in an area closed to vehicles
- Not having a valid boat registration (authorities treat an immersed vehicle used on public water as a vessel)
- Multiple water safety equipment violations
What Wade Mode is — and what it is not
Tesla markets a feature called Wade Mode for the Cybertruck intended to help with shallow water crossings by temporarily raising ride height and pressurizing the battery system to reduce water ingress. Tesla’s guidance emphasizes avoiding water conditions beyond the vehicle’s capabilities.
Wade Mode is not designed for deep or prolonged immersion; manufacturer guidance warns against strong currents and water that exceeds recommended depths. Local reporting and police say the driver used Wade Mode in conditions the truck was not intended to handle, which led to the vehicle losing power and taking on water (Tesla support).
Emergency response and recovery
The Grapevine Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team responded and helped recover the Cybertruck after the occupants exited safely. Video and photos from the ramp show crews using tow lines and winching equipment to remove the pickup from the water.
Officials did not report any major pollution or fuel spills; while electric vehicles do not carry gasoline, batteries and electronics exposed to water can present their own risks.
Legal context and public safety message
Police noted that driving a vehicle into a lake can violate Texas law and local park regulations. Because a submerged vehicle can be treated as a vessel, registration and required water‑safety equipment rules may apply. Authorities stressed that advertised vehicle capabilities do not override park rules or water‑safety laws.
Public-safety reminder: Officials urged people not to test vehicle features in uncontrolled public waters and to follow manufacturer guidance and local regulations, since water conditions can change quickly and create life‑threatening hazards.
Social media and broader trends
The Grapevine Lake incident echoes a trend of owners posting videos to show off off‑road and durability tests — from mud and sand to water crossings. Automotive reporters and safety experts warn that social‑media‑driven stunts can encourage risky behavior that exceeds manufacturer recommendations and local rules.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic impact: Incidents like this can affect perceptions of EV durability and insurance risk and may increase demand for specialized recovery and repair services in Southern California.
Political consequences: The event highlights tensions between personal freedom and public safety and may prompt local officials to clarify or enforce vehicle access rules at waterfronts.
Social and cultural effects: The stunt underscores the influence of social media on risky behavior and may spur outreach about water safety, stewardship of public waterways and how EV marketing intersects with outdoor recreation culture.
Practical applications for residents
Before attempting water crossings or off‑road maneuvers:
- Check local park rules and whether vehicle access is allowed.
- Follow manufacturer guidance for water crossings and vehicle limitations (see Tesla support).
- Carry proper safety equipment and ensure registration and permits if using a vehicle on public waters.
- Consider public safety and environmental impact; contact local authorities or parks staff if unsure.
Sources and coverage
This report draws on the Grapevine Police Department’s public statement and Facebook post, local reporting from FOX 4 Dallas and other outlets, and Tesla’s guidance on Wade Mode. Sources: Grapevine Police Department, FOX 4 Dallas, Tesla support.
Reporting note
This story is based on official statements from the Grapevine Police Department, reporting from FOX 4 Dallas and other local outlets, and information available from Tesla support. Additional updates may be available from law‑enforcement releases and court records.
