Dharmesh Patel Had Mental Condition When Driving Tesla Off Cliff Say Docs

India-West News Desk

PASADENA, CA – Two medical experts testified on April 25 in the case of Dharmesh Patel, the radiologist charged with three counts of attempted murder following the tragic event where he drove his family’s Tesla off a cliff at Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay.

The doctors said that Patel was suffering from major depressive disorder and undergoing a psychotic break at the time of the crash, during which he harbored delusions that his children were at risk of sex trafficking, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The defense called upon Drs. Mark Patterson and James Armontrout to support Patel’s plea for mental health diversion, a program that would involve his release from jail and enrollment in a two-year treatment plan. This treatment plan offers the possibility of dropped charges if Patel complies with the program’s requirements and refrains from further criminal activity.

However, prosecutors assert that their own evaluation indicated Patel was afflicted with schizoaffective disorder, which is different.

District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe voiced concerns about the lack of monitoring once Patel is released, emphasizing the potential risks if Patel were to cease taking his medication.