Dharmesh Patel has been arrested and placed behind bars on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse after receiving treatment at Stanford Hospital. As we reported earlier this month police investigators believe that Patel purposelessly drove his Tesla Model Y off a cliff near Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County.
The accident on January 2 received worldwide media attention, given the fact that all four occupants, including two young children, survived after falling 250ft off the cliff.
The Model Y burst through a guard rail and was seen going over the side down the cliff by witnesses, who immediately called 9-1-1. Emergency crews required a long line rescue team and a helicopter to access the vehicle. Luckily, the Model Y landed between several large boulders, and the passengers were able to be cut out of the vehicle and removed. Thankfully, Patel’s 41-year old wife, 7-year old daughter and 4-year old son survived the accident with relatively minor injuries.
San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe confirmed investigators are examining all potential causes of the crash, which includes a mechanical problem. Per investigators, Tesla is working with the police to provide them with the necessary access and data.
Patel will face arraignment on Monday and is being held without bail in a San Mateo jail.
