Man who drove Tesla off cliff in California facing attempted murder charge

WASHINGTON

A man who intentionally drove his Tesla off a cliff in the US state of California with his family in the vehicle is being charged with attempted murder and child abuse, according to multiple reports.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the driver, Dharmesh Patel, is being treated for his injuries and will be sent to the San Mateo County Jail after his release from the hospital, ABC News reported.

Patel’s wife and two children were with him when he drove off the cliff on Highway 1 on Monday.

The CHP said in a statement that its investigators worked throughout the night 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," it added.

All four were rescued from the car and taken to a local hospital.

CNBC reported that an investigation is ongoing into the incident.