New Jersey Doctor Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged 'Ski Rage' Attack on 12-Year-Old Boy

A New Jersey doctor accused of attacking a 12-year-old snowboarder in an alleged "ski rage" incident pleaded not guilty in court this week, according to reports.

Samuel Caruthers, an anesthesiologist from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, appeared in Sussex County court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, reports the New Jersey Herald.

Police claim the victim accidentally hit Caruthers, 44, and his son while skiing at Mountain Creek ski resort on Feb. 14. Caruthers then allegedly punched the victim in the mouth and struck him with the end of a ski pole.

Vernon, New Jersey, police Lt. Keith Kimkowski said the boy was visibly injured when police responded, reports the Daily Targum.

The victim had a bloody lip and nose in addition to stomach and rib pain, reports WLNY-TV, which said Caruthers walked into court Wednesday with his head down and refused to speak.

"It was an unfortunate incident for which my client is very sorry about," Caruthers's lawyer told the judge. The lawyer has previous characterized Caruthers's behavior as "more in the nature of an accident."

Police said Caruthers has been charged in the past with road rage, according to WLNY. He is due back in court on April 18.