Dharmesh Patel, 41, was behind the wheel of a car that went off the Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County. On Jan. 2, nearly killing himself, his wife and their two children.
Prosecutors in Northern California filed attempted murder charges Monday against a motorist. Who was behind the wheel of a Tesla that went over a cliff, nearly killing himself, his wife and two children.
Dharmesh Patel, 41, is charged with three counts of attempted murder. According to court documents. Filed by San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney Dominick Davis. Two of those charges include special allegations. Of domestic violence and intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Patel is expected to appear before a San Mateo County judge later. In the afternoon in connection with the Jan. 2 crash from the nearly 250-foot Cliff Devil’s Slide. About 20 miles south of San Francisco. Patel, his wife, 41, and two children, 4. And 7, survived the terrifying plunge – which one expert described as “a kind of miracle”. Considering the severity of the impact.”
The accident initially raised some questions about Tesla’s self-driving mode. And what role mechanical failure played.
But California Highway Patrol investigators quickly found that wasn’t a problem. And shifted the focus of the investigation to Patel, a doctor from Pasadena. The suspect remained hospitalized until late last week. When he was transferred to prison before charges were filed on Monday. Officials said.
Authorities have not publicly released what the suspect’s motive might be.
It was not immediately known Monday whether Patel had hired or hired a defense attorney.
No one answered a cellphone number listed for Patel on Monday.