Police: Driver Intentionally Drove Tesla Cybertruck Into Lake

A Texas man has been arrested after police say he intentionally drove his Tesla Cybertruck into a lake to test the vehicle’s controversial “Wade Mode” feature, only for the truck to become stranded and start taking on water.

The incident happened at Grapevine Lake near Dallas-Fort Worth, where officers responded to reports of a partially submerged Cybertruck at Katie’s Woods Park boat ramp. According to the Grapevine Police Department, the driver admitted he purposely drove into the water to see if the vehicle’s Wade Mode could handle the lake conditions.

Authorities said the electric truck quickly became disabled after entering the lake, forcing passengers to escape before emergency crews pulled the vehicle from the water. No injuries were reported.

Police later arrested the driver on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle in a restricted park area and violating water safety regulations. Some reports identified the driver as 70-year-old Jimmy McDaniel.

Tesla’s owner manual states that the Cybertruck’s Wade Mode is designed to help the vehicle travel through shallow bodies of water such as creeks and flooded roads, with a recommended maximum depth of about 32 inches. However, Tesla also warns drivers to carefully assess water conditions and notes that water damage may not be covered under warranty.

The bizarre incident quickly went viral online after videos showed the futuristic-looking truck partially submerged as rescue crews attempted to remove it from the lake. Social media users mocked the failed stunt, with many questioning exaggerated online claims about the Cybertruck’s off-road and amphibious capabilities.

The episode has also revived debates surrounding comments previously made by Elon Musk suggesting the Cybertruck could briefly function like a boat under certain conditions. While the vehicle includes water-driving features, experts note that it is not designed for deep-water navigation.