Hearing Delayed for Pasadena Radiologist as Defense Reviews CHP Tesla Report

The preliminary hearing for Dharmesh Arvin Patel, the Pasadena radiologist accused of intentionally driving his family off a cliff in Northern California, has been delayed, according to San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

The hearing was initially slated for June 12 but has been postponed to allow the defense time to review a California Highway Patrol (CHP) report on the Tesla involved in the incident.

Patel, 41, is suspected of purposely driving his wife and two minor children off a cliff near Devil’s Slide south of San Francisco in a Tesla.

The defense argues that the vehicle’s operability issues led to the incident, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Wagstaffe said a new court date has been set for July 7, during which a fresh preliminary hearing date will be established.

The CHP submitted its report on the Tesla’s operability last week, setting the stage for the defense’s review.

In March, Patel’s attorney, Josh Bentley, filed a motion for Patel’s release on his own recognizance or for reduced bail. This request was denied, and Patel has remained in custody, Wagstaffe confirmed.