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Driver Arrested After Steering Cybertruck Into Texas Lake To Test 'Wade Mode'

The case highlights the gap between Tesla's 32-inch wading limit and Grapevine Lake's much deeper water.

Overview

  • The Cybertruck, which officers found near the shoreline Monday evening, became disabled after the driver entered Grapevine Lake to try the truck’s 'Wade Mode' feature.
  • Wade Mode is meant for shallow crossings rather than deep water, and the truck took on water before the driver and a passenger climbed out safely.
  • Police identified the driver as Jimmy Jack McDaniel and arrested him on charges that include operating a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake, no valid boat registration, and multiple water-safety equipment violations.
  • Accounts differ on his custody status, with some reports saying he remained jailed Tuesday and Business Insider citing police saying he was released early that afternoon.
  • Police issued a safety warning about taking vehicles into freshwater areas, as coverage contrasted Tesla’s 32-inch wading limit with lake depths reported near 65 feet.