Pasadena Doctor Drove Off Cliff With Family On Purpose, Wife Says: Report

PACIFICA, CA — The California radiologist accused of driving his Tesla off a 330-foot cliff with his wife and their two young children inside in January "did it on purpose," his wife told authorities, according to newly-unsealed documents obtained by NBC News.

All four family members survived the Jan. 2 plunge off Highway 1 just south of the Tom Lantos Tunnels, which prosecutors described as an attempted murder-suicide perpetrated by Dharmesh A. Patel, 41, of Pasadena. Patel's wife and 7-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries and his 4-year-old son suffered minor injuries.

Documents show Patel’s wife told authorities multiple times that Patel deliberately drove off the cliff, NBC News reported.

“He drove off. He’s depressed. He’s a doctor," Patel's wife told California Highway Patrol officer, according to the documents. "He said he was going to drive off the cliff. He drove off on purpose.”

Patel was arrested Jan. 3 but wasn’t jailed until Jan. 20 when he was released from Stanford Hospital, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

Patel pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder and two enhancements in a Redwood City courtroom in February.

He is due back in court on June 12 for a preliminary hearing, at which a judge will determine whether the prosecution evidence supports the charges of attempted murder, NBC News reported.

This story is being updated.