Indian-American doctor who drove Tesla off cliff had major psychotic episode, report says

A concerning development has surfaced in the case of Dr. Dharmesh Patel, an Indian-American radiologist currently incarcerated in Redwood City jail. In light of an incident in 2023 where Dr Patel purportedly drove his vehicle off a 250-foot cliff at Devil Slide in California on January 2, with his family onboard, medical experts now suggest he was undergoing a psychotic episode during the incident.

Subsequently, he was arrested at Stanford Hospital shortly after the accident on suspicion of attempting to killhis wife and two children.

In 2023, Dharmesh Arvind Patel, his wife Neha (41), and their two kids—a 7-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy—were in the car. Patel was driving on the Pacific Coast Highway when he suddenly drove off the road. Everyone in the car, including Patel, his wife, and their kids, survived without injuries.

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As per Steve Wagstaffe, the district attorney of San Mateo County, two medical professionals informed investigators that Patel experienced a mental breakdown at the time of the crash, believing that his two children were being trafficked for sexual exploitation, The Los Angeles Times stated on April 24.

A case review of DrDharmesh Patel conducted by psychologist DrMark Patterson revealed Patel's state, suggesting he was grappling with a mental disorder that had escalated prior to the event. In discussions with medical professionals, Patel mentioned hearing footsteps approaching him from behind, a fact supported by his wife. Initially, Patel informed investigators that he was battling depression and had contemplated driving his car off a cliff.

What's Patel's current status?

The 42-year-old has been held responsible for the incident, resulting in the suspension of his medical license. Patel is presently pursuing a mental health diversion programme, which would include being released from custody to undergo a two-year treatment regimen.

Previously, regulatory authorities, in their legal documents, asserted that Patel presented "a significant threat to public safety" due to impaired cognitive functions essential for safe medical practice.

With this recent development, should he refrain from engaging in further criminal activities or violating any stipulated terms during his release, the charges against him will be dismissed.

However, prosecutors contend that the psychiatrist appointed to diagnose Patel on their behalf did not diagnose him with major depressive disorder with psychosis but rather identified him as suffering from Schizoaffective Disorder. They have presented their argument advocating for the case to remain in court.

(With inputs from agencies)