PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: California doctor Dharmesh Patel, who has been accused of intentionally driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff with his family inside, has requested a mental health diversion from the court. According to his lawyers, Patel, who caused his family to plunge off Devil's Slide in Pacifica, suffers from a major depressive disorder.
In California, a mental health diversion enables a defendant to pursue treatment and potentially have their charges completely dismissed upon successful completion of the program. This diversion request is part of a new statewide program aimed at preventing individuals with mental illness from being incarcerated. To be eligible, the illness must be treatable within the allocated diversion period, as per Daily Mail.
Who is Dharmesh Patel?
Dharmesh Patel, 41, is a doctor based in Pasadena, California. He specializes in radiology and holds valid medical licenses in Florida, Oregon, and California. He completed his medical education at Wayne State University in 2008 and currently maintains an active medical license in California. He has a professional background that includes an internship in San Francisco, a residency in Miami, and a fellowship at the University of Southern California Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to medical board records. While Patel had an affiliation with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, he did not work there full-time but held privileges to practice at the medical center, as confirmed by a spokesperson.
Why was Dharmesh Patel incarcerated?
On January 2, 2023, Patel, accompanied by his wife and their two young children, experienced a traumatic incident when their Tesla Model Y veered off a cliff near Devil's Slide, plummeting approximately 250 feet down to the water's edge. Miraculously, all four family members survived the incident, described as an "absolute miracle" by officials. Previously, Patel had pleaded not guilty, asserting that their Tesla had been experiencing tire issues. He informed investigators that he had made three stops at gas stations on the day of the incident while driving to the Devil's Slide area to inflate the left-rear tire.
However, recently unsealed search warrant documents revealed that Patel intentionally drove his family off the cliff, according to an affidavit. Neha Patel, Dharmesh's wife, provided insight into the events preceding the cliff incident, stating her belief that her husband purposely drove them off the cliff in San Mateo County, indicating potential harm toward her and their children. She mentioned that he is depressed and emphasized the need for his psychological evaluation.
During a hearing in San Mateo County, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe revealed that the Southern California radiologist and his attorney announced their request for mental health diversion. If granted, Patel would need to provide evidence of a diagnosed mental health disorder that is connected to the crime. In Patel's case, since he is facing felony charges, the diversion would be for a duration of two years. For defendants facing misdemeanor cases, the treatment period is one year. A hearing scheduled for July 31 will establish the process for him to pursue rehabilitation.
Where is Dharmesh Patel now?
Following the crash, Patel sustained injuries to his leg and foot, while his wife suffered more severe injuries. Their 4-year-old child sustained only bruises, but their 7-year-old child faced more significant injuries. However, both children were released from the hospital within a month of the accident. Patel is now being held without bail in the San Mateo County jail.
