Driver of Tesla that plunged off California cliff charged with attempted murder and child abuse

California officers have charged the driving force of a Tesla that plummeted over 250 feet off a San Mateo freeway with tried homicide and baby abuse. 

Dharmesh A. Patel, of Pasadena, California, was driving the car when it went over the aspect of a coastal highway at a spot referred to as the Satan’s Slide. Additionally inside have been one different grownup and two kids, who haven’t been recognized. All 4 survived the crash and have been transported to an area hospital for therapy of their accidents.  

Charging paperwork present that the opposite grownup was a 41-year-old lady, and the 2 kids have been a woman, aged 7, and a boy, aged 4. The paperwork didn’t specify what their relationship is to Patel. 

The California Freeway Patrol introduced on Tuesday that Patel was below arrest. He’s nonetheless being handled for his accidents, however will likely be booked into San Mateo County Jail as soon as he’s launched from the hospital. 

“CHP investigators labored all through the evening interviewing witnesses and gathering proof from the scene. Based mostly on the proof collected, investigators developed possible trigger to imagine this incident was an intentional act,” officers stated in an announcement. 

The charging paperwork present that Patel, 42, was arrested at 9 p.m Monday and didn’t resist arrest. 

Officers are persevering with to research the crash, CHP stated, including that there “has been no dedication as to what driving mode the Tesla was in.” The electrical automobiles have a self-driving function and a guide possibility, however whichever one was in use, CHP stated the driving mode “doesn’t seem like a contributing issue on this incident.” 

“This stays an ongoing investigation and no additional info is being launched right now,” the CHP stated, including that witnesses ought to contact their workplace with any info.