North Carolina doctor arrested after allegedly shooting two sisters, aged 12 and 20, in road rage incident

A 61-year-old North Carolina doctor has been arrested after two sisters were allegedly shot during a road-rage incident.

Virginia State Police said the shooting happened at about 8:50 a.m. on August 22 along Interstate 77. The location was roughly three miles north of the North Carolina-Virginia border.

According to police, Dr. Richard Thomas Arriviello was travelling north in a Mercedes-Benz when an argument reportedly developed with the occupants of a moving Jeep.

Investigators allege that Arriviello fired into the Jeep, hitting two sisters aged 12 and 20 in their legs.

Emergency workers airlifted both victims to a hospital. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Police said Arriviello left the scene after the shooting. Officers later stopped his Mercedes-Benz about 15 miles away and arrested him.

The doctor faces several felony charges. They include malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle, shooting from a vehicle, malicious wounding and using a firearm while committing a felony.

Arriviello was taken to the New River Valley Regional Jail, where he was reportedly being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 29.

Authorities have not explained what started the alleged road-rage confrontation. They have also not confirmed whether officers recovered a gun from Arriviello’s vehicle.

The driver of the Jeep was separately charged with reckless driving. Police did not release the driver’s identity.

Records from the North Carolina Medical Board show that Arriviello has been licensed to practise medicine in the state since 2010. He is also listed as the owner of Family Urgent Care in Monroe.

The allegations remain under investigation, and the charges have not been proven in court. WBTV reported the incident using information from Virginia State Police.