Father in California crash who ‘drove Tesla off cliff with family inside’ held for attempted murder

A man in California has been jailed on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse after driving a Tesla off a cliff with his family inside.

The incident occurred on January 2nd, when the Tesla sedan went off a cliff 250 feet (76 meters) in northern California.

The driver, Dharmesh A Patel, has been arrested and is being held without bail.

Officials say that bail for Patel could be arraigned on Monday afternoon if the San Mateo district attorney’s office decides to file criminal charges.

 Patel was seriously injured in the incident, and it is not immediately clear when he was released from the hospital.

The California Highway Patrol investigators believe that the incident was an intentional act.

The Patel's family including his 41-year-old wife, 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son were also in the car and had to be pulled out of the mangled remains of the car by cutting the vehicle.

District attorney Steve Wagstaffe said investigators are also examining the Tesla Model Y to rule out the possibility of a mechanical problem in the car.

The area where the incident occurred is known for fatal accidents.

It is not immediately clear whether Mr Patel had an attorney to speak on his behalf.