The Southern California man accused of driving his family off a cliff in Pacifica, California, has been charged with attempted murder.
According to ABC 7, authorities say Dharmesh A. Patel drove his Tesla off a cliff at Devil’s Slide on January 2 while his wife and two young children were inside. The entire family survived the incident, which many rescue workers say is a miracle.
Authorities arrested Patel on Friday, January 27, after he was released from the hospital. He has been booked into jail and charged with three counts of attempted murder.
San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told The San Francisco Chronicle that statements from witnesses have provided “enough evidence” that Patel was acting with intent to kill. Prosecutors have included enhancements on his charges for domestic violence and causing great bodily injuries.
Patel is currently in jail and appeared in court Monday afternoon where Judge Jeffrey Finigan granted the prosecution’s request for no bail. He also ordered Patel to stay away from his family.
Patel’s wife remains hospitalized. One child has suffered a serious injury but the other has not sustained any serious physical injuries.
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