An American doctor and father of two was charged on Monday with intentionally driving his Tesla, with his wife and two young children in the car, down the “Devils Slide” along the Pacific Coast Highway in California.
The cliff he drove down is over 70 meters deep.
The rescue personnel who arrived at the scene were surprised that everyone was alive. The incident occurred on January 2.
The indictment was first reported by CBS News.
The prosecution believes that the evidence against the 41-year-old is good enough to convict him, writes NBC News.
SURVIVED: Everyone in the car survived the fall, but it ended with serious injuries for three of them. Photo: Police/AP
sea view
The evidence came from the wife’s questioning, as well as from statements from others who witnessed the incident – and video evidence from the incident. District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe tells People that the wife is said to have said this to the paramedics at the scene:
“He tried to kill us.”
The man himself suffered major injuries from the fall. He was arrested by the police the day after the accident, while he was still in hospital. Suspect of attempted murder, writes CBS News.
HELP FROM THE AIR: A helicopter was needed to get rescue personnel down to the car. Photo: Police/AP
sea view
Unknown motive
The man was in hospital until late last week, but was moved to prison ahead of the charge on Monday.
The wife and one child were seriously injured in the accident, while the other child is said to have escaped the incident without major injuries.
The prosecution has not made public what they believe may be the motive behind the incident.
The indictment also allegedly includes violence against the wife. The man is ordered not to contact his family.
The man’s attorney did not want to speak to reporters as he left court Monday, and has not responded to NBC News’ inquiries.
