California doctor accused of attempted murder after car goes over cliff with wife, children

A California doctor is facing attempted murder charges after a car containing both him and his family went over a dangerous cliff near San Francisco. 

Authorities had originally hailed the survival of Dharmesh Patel, his wife Neha and their two young children after all four survived their car's plunge off Devil's Side in San Mateo County. 

On Wednesday, however, authorities revealed that Patel was under suspicion of intentionally driving the car off the cliff in what may have been a murder-suicide attempt.

“[California Highway Patrol] investigators worked throughout the night interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene,” the highway patrol told media in a statement.

“Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act," they said. 

Patel has been arrested on those charges.