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Dharmesh A Patel, a 43-year-old radiologist from California, will undergo mental health treatment rather than face trial for attempted murder after driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway, injuring his wife and two young children.

The incident, which occurred on Jan. 2, 2023, was described by officials as an "absolute miracle" due to the family's survival.

San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe expressed disappointment with the judicial decision, despite the severity of the incident.

"I am disappointed with the court's decision, but Judge Jakubowski carefully weighed the evidence and the facts and went the other way," Wagstaffe said, according to The Guardian.

Judge Susan Jakubowski ruled last week that Patel must complete a comprehensive two-year mental health outpatient treatment program at a Bay Area hospital for charges to be dismissed, as reported by KRON-TV.

Patel's defense attorney, Joshua Bentley, successfully argued in May that his client qualified for mental health diversion under California law.

"It's important to understand why we are here. Not everyone who commits a crime is a criminal. There is no question this is a very serious case. But the law encompasses this very situation," Bentley emphasized during the proceedings.

Bentley reassured the court that Patel, under an intensive psychiatric treatment program and monitored with a GPS bracelet equipped with a siren, does not pose a threat to the community.

Deputy District Attorney Dominique Davis, however, contended that Patel should not qualify for mental health diversion, citing concerns over public safety.

Patel's wife provided testimony expressing her desire to see him return home, indicating her children missed their father. D

avis presented evidence suggesting Patel suffered from paranoia and delusions in the weeks leading up to the incident, symptoms attributed to schizoaffective disorder.

In her ruling, Judge Jakubowski acknowledged Patel's lack of prior violent behavior and attributed his actions to a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

Patel, who has been in custody without bail since his arrest, will remain detained for several more weeks before transitioning to his parents' residence in Belmont, California.

Conditions of his release include GPS monitoring, surrendering his driver's license and passport, and weekly court check-ins.