A California doctor who made headlines after intentionally driving his Tesla off a treacherous cliff with his family inside will not face trial, a decision that brings into focus the crucial role of his wife’s testimony and the complexities of mental health in criminal cases. Dharmesh Patel, 42, was arrested in January 2023 after authorities determined he deliberately drove his Tesla over the cliff with his wife and two young children in the car.
Tesla car lifted after cliff rescue operation showcasing the severity of the California Devil's Slide incident involving doctor and family
Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist, was initially charged with three counts of attempted murder following the harrowing incident along the Pacific Coast Highway. However, recent court records reveal that Patel has been granted a mental health diversion, meaning he will avoid jail time and instead participate in a two-year mental health outpatient program. This decision hinged significantly on the court’s acceptance of his major depressive disorder diagnosis and the compelling testimony from his wife, Neha Patel.
Judge Susan Jakubowski of the San Mateo County Superior Court delivered a detailed statement explaining her decision, citing that the evidence strongly indicated Patel suffered from major depressive disorder, a condition that qualifies him for mental health diversion under state law. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this in a statement, highlighting that the judge considered all evidence before concluding Patel’s mental illness was the primary factor in the incident.
The defense attorney representing Patel had advocated for the mental health diversion program, arguing that treatment, not incarceration, was the appropriate path forward. Joshua Bentley, Patel’s attorney, emphasized in court, “Not everyone who commits a crime is a criminal,” underscoring the role of mental illness in Patel’s actions. Medical professionals who evaluated Patel diagnosed him with both schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder, recommending an initial period in county jail as a transitional phase before his release into outpatient care.
According to the District Attorney’s office, once released, Patel is mandated to reside at his parents’ home in Belmont, California. His movements will be restricted to attending his treatment program and court appearances. He will also be monitored with a GPS device and must surrender both his driver’s license and passport, ensuring strict adherence to the diversion program terms. A hearing to finalize the details of this mental health diversion is scheduled for July 1.
The dramatic event unfolded on January 2, 2023, when Patel drove his white Tesla off a cliff at Devil’s Slide, a notoriously dangerous section of the Pacific Coast Highway. The vehicle plunged hundreds of feet down the rocky cliffside. Emergency responders faced challenging conditions during the rescue operation. Remarkably, all four occupants of the Tesla survived the crash and were extricated by firefighters and transported to a hospital for medical attention.
Brian Pottenger, a battalion chief with Cal Fire, described the survival as “an absolute miracle,” noting the infrequency of survivors in accidents at Devil’s Slide. Initial investigations into the wreckage led authorities to suspect the crash was not accidental. “Probable cause” was established, leading to Patel’s arrest on the same day, and he has been in county jail since then.
A search warrant affidavit that was unsealed last May revealed critical testimony from Patel’s wife, Neha Patel. Speaking to a California Highway Patrol officer shortly after the incident, Neha Patel stated, “He drove off. He’s depressed… He said he was going to drive off the cliff. He purposely drove off.” This statement from the Wife Of Doctor Who Drove Tesla became a key piece of evidence in understanding the events leading to the crash.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Neha Patel and other family members have consistently shown support for Dharmesh Patel. Neha Patel has testified that she does not want her husband prosecuted and wishes for his release from jail, further emphasizing her belief in his need for mental health treatment rather than punishment.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY
