A California radiologist charged with attempting to kill his family by driving a Tesla off a cliff has had the case dismissed after completing a mental health program. Dharmesh Patel was released from charges on Monday following a court ruling.
Dharmesh Patel drove his Tesla Model Y off a 250-foot cliff at Devil’s Slide in January 2023, injuring his wife and two young children. He faced three counts of attempted murder but was placed in a Mental Health Diversion Program instead of standing trial.
The program lasted two years. Doctors reported Patel was doing well, and his wife testified that she did not want him prosecuted because their children missed him. A three-day trial in Mental Health Diversion Court ruled in his favor, leading to house arrest followed by dismissal of the charges.
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe noted the judge was required by law to dismiss the case once Patel completed the treatment plan. Patel surrendered his California medical license in December.
