In a bizarre turn of events, a 70-year-old man in Texas has been arrested after allegedly driving his Tesla Cybertruck straight into a lake, claiming he was testing its wade mode feature. This unusual incident unfolded on May 18, 2026, at the Katie's Woods Boat Ramp in Grapevine, Texas, and left rescue crews scrambling.
As the sun set over the lake, police were called to the scene, but the situation was not what they expected. Instead of rescuing people, they found themselves dealing with a submerged vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver, identified as Jimmy Jack McDaniel, had intentionally driven the Cybertruck into the water, with passengers still inside.
According to the Grapevine Police Department's incident report, McDaniel stated he had done this before. He claimed that the vehicle's charging port was submerged, making it think it was still connected to a charging unit, which prevented the wheels from turning. "I thought I could get it out once it was closer to the ground," he reportedly said.
Despite McDaniel's claims that the Cybertruck could handle such a stunt, police were quick to clarify that Tesla does not endorse driving the vehicle in deep water. The incident raised serious safety concerns, as Texas law prohibits operating a motor vehicle in protected freshwater areas, which include lakes and rivers.
As the rescue operation unfolded, park rangers expressed their frustration over the situation. They were particularly concerned about potential environmental hazards, including the risk of battery leaks from the submerged vehicle. McDaniel, who had reportedly attempted this stunt multiple times before, faced a slew of charges, including operating a vehicle in a closed section of the lake and failing to have the necessary safety equipment.
After about 30 minutes, crews managed to pull the Cybertruck from the water. However, McDaniel's troubles were far from over. He was arrested and taken to Grapevine Jail, leaving his passengers to find their own way home. According to police reports, McDaniel admitted to intentionally driving the vehicle into the lake, leading to multiple misdemeanor charges.
As authorities processed the incident, they noted that McDaniel's actions could have serious consequences, not just for him but for the environment as well. With his Cybertruck now out of the water, one has to wonder: will he attempt another aquatic adventure in the future?
