Calif. doctor accused of driving off a cliff with his family has attempted murder charges dismissed

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (TCN) – A judge has dismissed the attempted murder charges against a 45-year-old radiologist who drove his car off a cliff with his family inside in early 2023.

Dharmesh Patel was driving his 41-year-old wife and their two children, ages 4 and 7, in his Tesla near Pacifica, California, in January 2023, according to KGO. He allegedly experienced a psychotic break and drove the car off the 300-foot Devil’s Slide cliff. First responders said it was a miracle that everyone survived.

Immediately after the crash, Patel’s wife said he had driven off the cliff on purpose and needed a psychiatric evaluation, KTVU reports.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney, Patel was charged with three counts of attempted murder with enhancements on Jan. 31, 2023.

Prosecutors said Patel was experiencing delusions and paranoia leading up to the incident, KRON reports. According to the outlet, a prosecutor said, “He was hearing footsteps at night. He feared his children would be sold into sex slavery. He carried a knife around for three days. None of this was based on reality.”

Criminal proceedings were suspended in July 2024 after Patel was granted a mental health diversion. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and was ordered to live in his parents’ home and undergo treatment sessions for the next two years, per KRON. In addition, he had to be tested twice a week to prove he was taking his prescribed medications.

On July 6, Judge Sharon Cho dismissed the charges against Patel and sealed the case, KRON reports.

San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe opposed the mental health diversion. According to KGO, he said Patel “got the break of a lifetime.”

After the case was dismissed, Patel reportedly had his passport returned to him and a no-harassment order against his family members was lifted, according to KRON.

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