REDWOOD CITY, CA –
Warning: This article contains references to suicide.
The driver of a car that plunged off a treacherous cliff in Northern California, seriously injuring himself, his wife and their two young children, was charged Monday with attempted murder.
Dharmesh A. Patel, 41, also faces enhancements for great bodily harm and domestic violence in the Jan. 2 crash, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaff said in a statement.
Testimony from families and motorists and video footage from the nearby Tom Lantos Tunnels provided enough evidence to charge the father of two, Wagstaffe told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Patel’s wife, who remains in hospital, “screamed” about her husband’s “willfulness” to paramedics after they descended the 250-foot (76-meter) cliff to rescue the family, Wagstaffe said. He declined to share what she said.
“We believe the evidence establishes the requisite intent to kill,” Wagstaffe told the paper.
Patel’s attorney, Josh Bentley, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Patel was due in court on Monday, but Bentley asked for an adjournment until February 9, which the judge granted. The judge also granted the prosecution’s request for bail and ordered Patel to stay away from his family.
Patel, a radiologist at a Southern California hospital, was seriously injured and taken to the hospital after the car went over a 250-foot (76-meter) cliff at Devil’s Slide, an area along the Pacific Coast Highway about 15 miles (24 kilometers) ) south of San Francisco, which is known for deadly wrecks. He was transferred to prison on Friday.
Rescuers initially hailed the family’s survival as a miracle. Firefighters had to cut open the Tesla Model Y to get the family out, including Patel’s 41-year-old wife, 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.
Patel was later arrested after California Highway Patrol investigators “developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act,” the agency said.
Wagstaffe said his office is still trying to determine why Patel drove off the cliff. Patel has not spoken to investigators since the Jan. 2 crash, Wagstaffe said.
“We’re looking into what led to this. Was there depression or something else?” said Wagstaffe. “Not only was he trying to kill them, he was also trying to kill himself.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources available in Canada.
Suicide Prevention Hotline Canada (1-833-456-4566)
Center for Addiction and Mental Health (1 800 463-2338)
Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or SMS 45645)
Children’s Helpline (1-800-668-6868)
If you need immediate help, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
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