A North Carolina doctor is accused of opening fire on a Jeep on a Virginia highway during a road rage incident that injured two sisters, including a 12-year-old girl, authorities said.
Background
Dr. Richard T. Arriviello, 61, was traveling southbound on Interstate 77 shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday when the alleged shooting occurred approximately 3 miles north of the Virginia-North Carolina border, according to Virginia State Police. The incident escalated during what investigators describe as a road rage confrontation between Arriviello in his Mercedes-Benz and the occupants of a Jeep.
Virginia State Police said they responded to reports of shots fired and located both vehicles on I-77. Troopers determined that Arriviello allegedly shot into the Jeep from his vehicle before fleeing the scene, authorities said. He was apprehended by state troopers approximately 15 miles from the shooting location along the same interstate.
The two sisters inside the Jeep, ages 12 and 20, were struck by gunshots to their legs, police stated. Both victims were transported via helicopter to a hospital for treatment. Authorities described their injuries as non-life-threatening.
The Charges
Arriviello was arrested and charged with malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle, maliciously causing bodily harm to another with intent to maim, and use of a firearm while committing a felony. He is being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail without bond.
Virginia State Police noted that investigators also cited the driver of the Jeep for reckless driving in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released details regarding what precipitated the road rage confrontation or whether they have recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
According to records from the North Carolina Medical Board, Arriviello is the owner of Family Urgent Care in Monroe, a community approximately 25 miles southwest of Charlotte. He has been licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina since 2010 and lists three decades of medical experience on his LinkedIn profile. The board confirmed he has no prior criminal convictions and no malpractice lawsuits on record.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Richard T. Arriviello, 61, is charged with malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle and use of a firearm while committing a felony
- Two sisters ages 12 and 20 were shot in the legs; both injuries are considered non-life-threatening
- The alleged shooting occurred on I-77 approximately 3 miles north of the Virginia-North Carolina border Saturday morning
- Arriviello fled the scene and was arrested about 15 miles away on the same interstate
- He is a physician and owner of Family Urgent Care in Monroe, North Carolina, with no prior criminal history
What's Next
Arriviello remains detained at the New River Valley Regional Jail without bond. His next scheduled court appearance is set for September 29, when he is expected to face formal arraignment on the charges filed against him.
Virginia State Police said the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact authorities.