The incident occurred on January 2, 2023, when Patel steered his vehicle off a Northern California cliffside. Despite the severity of the fall, Patel, his wife, and their two children survived with minor injuries. Prosecutors initially filed three counts of attempted murder, with San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe arguing that such grave offenses should remain ineligible for mental health diversion. Under state law, however, the court was compelled to clear the charges once the defendant fulfilled the required treatment plan.
Following his arrest, Patel reported experiencing delusions that his children were at risk of being trafficked, a symptom linked to his psychiatric diagnosis. After spending nearly a year in custody, he was granted release in 2024 to participate in an outpatient program. During his rehabilitation, Patel remained under strict court supervision, including GPS monitoring and the surrender of his passport. His family has since relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where the court permitted him to resume contact and drive with them under supervised conditions.
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