USA: Indian-origin man drove Tesla car off a cliff to kill wife and children, suspect police

An Indian-origin man has been arrested in the US for allegedly driving his car off a cliff, while his wife and children were inside the vehicle.

Dharmesh Patel of Pasadena, California was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse. Patel allegedly drove his Tesla off a cliff, and the car landed 250-300 feet down, at Devil's Slide in San Mateo County.

Patel, his wife, and two children aged 4 and 9 years were rescued on 2 January 2023.

The rescue involved firefighters who rappelled down the cliff to save the two children. A helicopter crew rescued the two adults from the vehicle.

The rescue was described as almost miraculous, The New York Times newspaper said.

“Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act,” it said in a statement.

(With agency inputs)

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