By Dominic Hernandez
On January 4, 2023, a forty-one-year-old Pasadena man was arrested on charges of attempting to kill his family by driving their Tesla off a cliff. Dharmesh Arvid Patel was arrested Monday night on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse. California Highway Patrol said Patel, his wife, and their two children were rescued and transported to local hospitals after the Tesla they were driving plunged a distance of 250 feet off a cliff along Pacific Coast Highway.
The reason behind the crash was initially under investigation, but California Highway Patrol said in a statement that based on evidence, “Investigators developed probable cause to believe that the incident was an intentional act.” Damage to the vehicle indicated the vehicle hit the side railing, then flipped several times before it landed on its wheels.
The two minors suffered “moderate injuries.” The condition of Patel and his wife were unknown, but the authorities have said, “all were in stable [condition] following the crash.” The passengers were his wife, seven year-old-daughter, and four year-old-son. The family has been taken to the hospital via helicopter. Patel is being treated for his injuries and will be booked into San Mateo County Jail after he is released from the hospital.
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