Doctor charged with attempted murder after driving Tesla off cliff with family inside, police say

A man will face charges after police say he intentionally drove his Tesla off a cliff along a California highway.

California Highway Patrol confirmed Dharmesh A. Patel, a radiologist from Pasadena, California, is facing attempted murder and child abuse charges for the Jan. 2 incident.

Patel, his wife and two children, ages 7 and 4, were all rescued after they survived the 250 foot drop.

The adults suffered non-life-threatening injuries and the children were not harmed when a car traveling southbound on the Pacific Coast Highway on Jan. 2 went over the cliff at Devil’s Slide and landed near the shoreline below, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

The area is known for its scenic views and sharp drop off.

The vehicle flipped multiple times and landed mostly on its wheels, according to CAL FIRE/Coastside Fire Incident Commander Brian Pottenger.

Rescuers were able to notice movement in the front seat while scanning the wrecked car from above with binoculars, Pottenger said.

"We were actually very shocked when we found survivable victims in the vehicle, so that actually was a hopeful moment for us," Pottenger said.

Helicopters then assisted in rescuing the four people in the car. Two of them were taken to the hospital by ambulance, and two by helicopter, according to the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit.

The California Highway Patrol also shared a video of the scene and the helicopters and personnel assisting in the rescue.

"We had four survivors in a collision where there shouldn't have been any survivors," Shaun Bouyea, a CHP flight officer told TODAY. "I mean, it is truly a miracle that they're alive."

The CHP said on Jan. 3 that investigators spent the evening of Jan. 2 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 in a release on Jan. 3, noting Patel's arrest. "There has been no determination as to what driving mode the Tesla was in; however, that does not appear to be a contributing factor in this incident."

Officials added that Patel is being treated for his injuries and "will be booked into San Mateo County Jail upon his release from the hospital."

Authorities told TODAY that it is very rare to survive such a crash and that the children's car seats may have saved their lives.

Anyone with more information about this ongoing investigation is asked to contact CHP at (415) 557-1094.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com