Judge dismisses attempted murder charges against Bay Area man accused of driving family off cliff

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- More than three years after a radiologist was accused of intentionally driving his family off of Devil's Slide, a judge dismissed the criminal charges against him, according to our partners at the Bay Area News Group.

A San Mateo County judge dismissed the three attempted murder charges against Dharmesh Patel, 45, after reports from his doctors suggested he was doing well in the mental health program he was placed in.

MORE: Man accused of intentionally driving family off Devil's Slide cliff pleads not guilty to charges

In January 2023, Patel allegedly drove his Tesla off Devil's Slide in Pacifica. Firefighters were forced to cut his family, including Patel's 41-year-old wife, 7-year-old daughter, and 4-year-old son, out of the wreckage. It was a drop of 300 feet and first responders said it was a miracle they all survived.

During the 2024 hearing, Patel's attorneys said he suffered from a major depressive disorder, and psychologists testified he experienced a psychotic break.

San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, who opposed the driver's admission to the diversion program, told the Bay Area News Group he "got the break of a lifetime."