What led to the arrest of Dharmesh Patel for allegedly driving his family off a cliff. How did the Tesla incident at Devil’s Slide unfold. What are the charges against the Pasadena father. How did the family survive the 250-foot plunge.
The Shocking Incident: Tesla Plunges Off Devil’s Slide
On January 2, 2023, a horrifying incident unfolded along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway in California. A Tesla vehicle, carrying a family of four, plummeted over 250 feet off a cliff at a notorious spot known as Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County. The driver, later identified as 42-year-old Dharmesh A. Patel from Pasadena, was behind the wheel when the car went over the edge of the coastal road.
The incident immediately caught the attention of local authorities and rescue teams. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and other emergency responders rushed to the scene, expecting the worst. However, in what can only be described as a miracle, all four occupants of the vehicle survived the terrifying plunge.
Miraculous Survival: Family Emerges Alive from the Wreckage
Against all odds, the family members were found alive in the mangled Tesla at the base of the cliff. The survivors included Patel, his 41-year-old wife, their 7-year-old daughter, and 4-year-old son. All four were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment of what the CHP initially described as serious injuries.
The survival of the family left many, including first responders, in disbelief. How did they manage to survive such a horrific fall? The incident highlighted the remarkable safety features of modern vehicles, particularly Tesla’s robust design and advanced safety systems.
Factors Contributing to Survival
- Tesla’s reinforced structure and safety cage
- Advanced airbag systems
- Seat belt pretensioners
- Potential energy absorption by the vehicle during impact
While the exact details of how the family survived remain under investigation, experts suggest that a combination of vehicle safety features and sheer luck played crucial roles in this extraordinary outcome.
The Investigation: From Accident to Intentional Act
Initially treated as a tragic accident, the incident took a dark turn as investigators delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the crash. CHP investigators worked tirelessly throughout the night, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene.
As the investigation progressed, a disturbing picture began to emerge. Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe that this was not an accident, but an intentional act. This shocking revelation led to the arrest of Dharmesh Patel on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse.
Key Aspects of the Investigation
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence from the crash site
- Analysis of the vehicle’s trajectory
- Examination of the Tesla’s onboard computer systems
- Interviews with family members and associates
The CHP stated that while the investigation is ongoing, they have found sufficient evidence to support the belief that Patel intentionally drove the vehicle off the cliff, putting his family’s lives at risk.
Charges and Legal Implications for Dharmesh Patel
Following the investigation’s initial findings, Dharmesh Patel faces serious legal consequences. He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse, although formal charges are pending as of the time of this report.
Why is Patel facing these specific charges? The attempted murder charge stems from the belief that he intentionally tried to end the lives of his family members by driving off the cliff. The child abuse charges are likely related to the presence of his two young children in the vehicle during this alleged intentional act.
Potential Legal Consequences
- Multiple counts of attempted murder
- Child endangerment or abuse charges
- Possible domestic violence charges
- Reckless endangerment
- Assault with a deadly weapon (the vehicle)
It’s important to note that these are potential charges based on the information available. The final charges will be determined by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office after a thorough review of the evidence.
The Role of Tesla’s Technology in the Investigation
Given that the incident involved a Tesla vehicle, questions naturally arose about the potential role of the car’s advanced technology in the crash. Tesla vehicles are known for their autopilot and self-driving capabilities, leading to speculation about whether these features were active during the incident.
However, the CHP has stated that the driving mode of the Tesla does not appear to be a contributing factor in this incident. They clarified that there has been no determination as to what driving mode the Tesla was in at the time of the crash.
Tesla’s Advanced Features and Their Potential Impact
- Autopilot system
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability
- Onboard cameras and sensors
- Data logging and telemetry systems
While these advanced features are not believed to have played a role in causing the crash, the data collected by the vehicle’s systems may prove valuable to investigators as they piece together the events leading up to the incident.
The Impact on the Community and Tesla’s Reputation
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. Pasadena, where the Patel family resides, is grappling with the news of one of their own allegedly attempting such a horrific act. The case has also reignited discussions about family violence and mental health awareness.
For Tesla, while the incident doesn’t appear to be related to any malfunction of their vehicles, it does put the company’s cars back in the spotlight. How has this incident affected public perception of Tesla? While the survival of the family could be seen as a testament to the vehicle’s safety features, the association with such a disturbing event may have unintended consequences for the brand.
Community Response and Support
- Local support groups offering assistance to the family
- Increased awareness of domestic violence resources
- Discussions about mental health support in the community
- Renewed focus on road safety along the Devil’s Slide area
As the community comes to terms with this shocking event, there’s a collective effort to understand, heal, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Devil’s Slide: A History of Dangerous Incidents
The location of the incident, known as Devil’s Slide, has a long and treacherous history. This stretch of coastal road has been the site of numerous accidents over the years, earning its ominous nickname. Why is this particular area so dangerous? The steep cliffs and winding road create challenging driving conditions, especially in adverse weather.
How has the area’s history influenced local safety measures? In response to the frequent accidents, significant safety improvements have been made over the years, including the construction of the Tom Lantos Tunnels in 2013, which bypassed the most dangerous section of the road.
Notable Incidents at Devil’s Slide
- Multiple car accidents resulting in fatalities
- Landslides and road closures
- Rescue operations for stranded vehicles
- Implementation of safety barriers and warning signs
The Patel family’s incident adds another chapter to the infamous history of this treacherous stretch of coastline, reminding locals and tourists alike of the potential dangers that lurk along this beautiful but hazardous route.
Moving Forward: Lessons and Reflections
As the legal process unfolds and the Patel family begins their long journey of recovery, this incident leaves us with much to ponder. What can we learn from this shocking event? How can communities better support families in crisis? What role do advanced vehicle safety features play in saving lives during extreme accidents?
The case of Dharmesh Patel and his family serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the importance of mental health awareness. It also highlights the critical role of vehicle safety technology in protecting occupants even in the most extreme circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- The importance of recognizing and addressing signs of family distress
- The role of community support systems in preventing tragic incidents
- The ongoing need for road safety improvements in dangerous areas
- The potential life-saving impact of advanced vehicle safety features
- The complex interplay between technology, human behavior, and safety
As this case continues to unfold, it will undoubtedly prompt further discussions and potentially lead to changes in various aspects of public safety, family support services, and vehicle technology. The hope is that from this near-tragedy, positive changes can emerge that will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Dharmesh Patel, driver of Tesla that plunged off California cliff, arrested for attempted murder and child abuse
U.S.
By Kerry Breen
/ CBS News
Father arrested after driving Tesla off cliff
Father arrested for allegedly intentionally driving Tesla off cliff
00:28
California officials say the driver of a Tesla that plummeted over 250 feet off a San Mateo highway Monday has been arrested for attempted murder and child abuse.
Dharmesh A. Patel, of Pasadena, California, was behind the wheel of the vehicle when it went over the side of a coastal road at a spot known as the Devil’s Slide, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Also inside were another adult and two children, who haven’t been identified.
All four survived and were transported to a local hospital for treatment of what the CHP says were serious injuries.
Charging documents show that the other adult was a 41-year-old woman, and the two children were a girl, aged 7, and a boy, aged 4. The documents didn’t specify what their relationship is to Patel. California Highway Patrol later identified them as his wife and children.
This image from video provided by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office shows a Tesla vehicle that plunged off a Northern California cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway oln Jan. 2, 2023, near an area known as Devil’s Slide.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office via AP
The CHP announced Tuesday that Patel was under arrest, adding that he’s still being treated for his injuries, but will be booked into the San Mateo County Jail once he’s released from the hospital.
“CHP investigators worked throughout the night interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene. Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act,” the CHP said.
The charging documents show that Patel, 42, was arrested at 9 p.m. Monday and didn’t resist arrest.
Officials are continuing to investigate the crash, the CHP said, adding that there “has been no determination as to what driving mode the Tesla was in.”
The electric vehicles have a self-driving feature and a manual option, but whichever one was in use, CHP said the driving mode “does not appear to be a contributing factor in this incident.”
“This remains an ongoing investigation and no further information is being released at this time,” the CHP said.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Patel has been arrested but hasn’t been charged yet. The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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Kerry Breen
Kerry Breen is a news editor and reporter for CBS News. Her reporting focuses on current events, breaking news and substance use.
First published on January 3, 2023 / 8:21 PM
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Who Is Dharmesh Patel? Tesla Driver Arrested for Attempted Murder of Family
News
Tesla
Crime
California
A California husband and father has been arrested for allegedly intentionally driving his family off a cliff inside their Tesla, according to reports.
Police have said 41-year-old Dharmesh Patel of Pasadena, California, attempted to kill his family on Monday by driving them off a 250-foot cliff at Devil’s Slide in the County of San Mateo.
The entire family was rescued and no one suffered serious injuries, but all four were taken to the hospital, according to a NDTV report.
Driver Patel will face charges of attempted murder and child abuse after he leaves the hospital, following an investigation into the crash, according to a statement released by the California Highway Patrol.
Images posted by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office after a crash saw a family drive off a 250 ft cliff on Monday. The California Battalion Fire Chief said they were surprised to find anyone alive after the car’s tumble down the 250 ft cliff.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
“CHP investigators worked throughout the night interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene,” the statement read, according to theNew York Post.
“Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act.”
California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Andrews also clarified that following their investigation, they don’t believe that the Tesla was operating in Autopilot or Full Self-Driving mode, AP reported.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office tweeted images of the crash and the rescue efforts on Tuesday.
This afternoon, deputies responded to a solo vehicle over the side of Hwy 1 south of the Tom Lantos tunnel. Two adults suffered non-life threatening injuries and two children were unharmed. Tremendous collaborative effort btwn SMSO, @CHP_GoldenGate and @calfireSCU pic.twitter.com/sVyKp6LSrc
— San Mateo County S.O (@SMCSheriff) January 3, 2023
“This afternoon, deputies responded to a solo vehicle over the side of Highway 1 south of the Tom Lantos tunnel,” the caption read.
“Two adults suffered non-life threatening injuries and two children were unharmed. Tremendous collaborative efforts.”
Firefighters were able to rappel down the cliff and rescue the two children, a four-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy. A helicopter crew was used in order to rescue Patel and his wife.
Brian Pottenger, the Battalion Chief for Coastside Fire Protection District released a video to Twitter giving greater detail about the crash and the rescue effort.
This morning, a vehicle with 2 adults and 2 minors went over cliff at Devil’s Slide in @sanmateoco. Witnesses saw the accident and called 911. The car plunged hundreds of feet down the cliff and landed on the beach. All four patients were successfully rescued. Watch the video! pic.twitter.com/HUM2SJ56Oy
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 3, 2023
“The damage to the vehicle would indicate it hit and then flipped several times, it landed mostly on its wheels.
“When we arrived on scene we knew we had one vehicle over the side, we could see the vehicle.
“We immediately went and put a plan in place to lower rescuers down to the vehicle to get eyes and assess what we had.
“As we were doing that, we were able to notice movement in the front seat through the windshield with binoculars, so we knew that we had at least one person that was alive.”
Speaking about the overall experience he closed by saying: “We were actually very shocked when we found survivable victims in the vehicle.”
Newsweek has contacted the The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
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