VERNON -- A Morris County anesthesiologist was arrested on Valentine's Day in an apparent "ski rage incident" involving a 12-year-old boy at Mountain Creek, police said.

Samuel G. Caruthers, 44, of Mountain Lakes, punched the boy in the mouth and struck him with the end of a ski pole during the assault at the ski resort on Sunday afternoon during a "ski rage incident," Vernon police Lt. Keith Kimkowski said in a news release.

The boy was visibly injured when police arrived at the scene, he said.

Caruthers was skiing with his own child when the 12-year-old boy fell into them, prompting the assault, Kimkowski said. He currently faces charges of second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Caruthers was later released pending an appearance in Sussex County Superior Court.

Caruthers' attorney, Robert Dunn, confirmed Tuesday afternoon that his client was charged in the incident.

"My client had no intention of causing any harm to this young man," Dunn said. "It was more in the nature of an accident."

"My client is sorry for any misunderstanding," he said.

Regarding the potential impact on Caruther's medical license, Dunn said, "We'll take whatever steps when they arise."

Caruthers declined to provide additional comment.



Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.