Virginia State Police announced the arrest of a North Carolina physician on August 22, following an alleged road rage incident on Interstate 77 where he reportedly fired into a Jeep, injuring two sisters, aged 12 and 20.
Dr. Richard Thomas Arriviello, a 61-year-old resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, was operating his Mercedes-Benz northbound on I-77 at approximately 8:50 a.m. when the shooting occurred. The location was approximately three miles north of the border between North Carolina and Virginia.
According to a press release from state police, Dr. Arriviello is accused of discharging a firearm into the moving Jeep, with bullets striking both siblings in their legs.
Authorities reported that both injured individuals were transported by air to a nearby hospital. Their injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Following the alleged shooting, Dr. Arriviello reportedly fled the scene in his Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
State troopers located and intercepted the Mercedes-Benz approximately 15 miles from the incident site, subsequently taking Dr. Arriviello into custody.
Charges Filed and Ongoing Investigation
Dr. Arriviello is currently facing multiple felony charges. These include malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle, maliciously causing bodily harm with intent to maim, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony.
As of now, state police have not disclosed details regarding the catalyst for the alleged road rage confrontation, nor have they confirmed if a firearm was recovered from Dr. Arriviello's Mercedes-Benz during the arrest.
The driver of the Jeep was also issued a citation for reckless driving; however, their identity has not been released by officials.
Physician's Background
Records from the North Carolina Medical Board indicate that Dr. Arriviello has held a license as an emergency medicine physician in the state since 2010. These records do not show any public disciplinary actions against him.
Furthermore, board documentation identifies Dr. Arriviello as the proprietor of Family Urgent Care, located in Monroe.