Driver involved in Tesla cliff plunge arrested and charged

January 4, 2023 1:18 PM

Published January 4, 2023 1:27 PM

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (NBC) - Authorities arrested a California man for attempted murder and child abuse after investigators say he intentionally drove a Tesla off a cliff on Monday.

The California Highway Patrol said they will book Dharmesh A. Patel of Pasadena into San Mateo County jail after he's out of the hospital.

Patel, another adult and two children suffered serious injuries Monday after the Tesla they drove in plunged 250- to 300-feet down the side of a cliff at Devil's Slide.

CHP said, in a statement, that the evidence led investigators to believe the incident was "an intentional act."

However, investigators have not determined what driving mode the Tesla was in at the time. But, they say that does not appear to be a factor in the incident.

Article Topic Follows: California News

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Dillon Fuhrman

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