Doctor accused in 'ski rage' incident pleads not guilty

NEWTON, N.J. -- A New Jersey doctor accused of attacking a 12-year-old boy in a "ski rage" incident has pleaded not guilty.

The New Jersey Herald reports 44-year-old Samuel Caruthers, of Morris County, New Jersey, entered the plea during his initial court appearance on Wednesday.

He's charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities say the anesthesiologist was skiing with his own child at the Mountain Creek resort in northern New Jersey last month when the victim fell into them.

Caruthers allegedly punched the boy in the mouth and hit him with the end of a ski pole.

Defense attorney Robert Dunn says it's an unfortunate incident that his client is very sorry about.