A Lancaster city man was convicted of a felony count of aggravated assault after a three-day jury trial in Lancaster County Court last week.

Nathaniel Hurricane Fields IV, 34 of the 400 block of South Prince Street, was found guilty by jury of causing a severe wrist injury to a victim after punching him multiple times following a vehicle accident on the corner of East Liberty Street and North Plum Street.

The jury returned its verdict around 4:30 p.m. last Wednesday after deliberating for about an hour to conclude the trial. Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn will order sentence later following a pre-sentence investigation.

On March 26, 2021, Lancaster City Police responded to the rear-end collision and found only the injured victim still on the scene. The victim’s car had rear damage.

The victim told officers that he was stopped at the stop sign waiting for a car to pass when another car hit the back of his; the victim then got out of his car to exchange information with the other driver.

After the victim asked Fields IV for his information, Fields IV told the victim he did not have a license and proceeded to closed-fist punch the victim approximately five times to the body and face. This caused the victim to fall and injure his left wrist.

Fields IV then left the scene as the victim laid on the ground; a witness, who testified at trial, saw the entire interaction and was able to help the victim into his car. The victim was transported to Lancaster General Hospital.

An orthopedic surgeon who provided medical care to the victim testified that the injuries the victim suffered were rare and that he usually only saw these types of injuries in motorcycle accidents. The injuries required multiple surgeries including a rod and pins being inserted and removed.

Fields IV was also found guilty of accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property, a misdemeanor, and two summary offenses of failing to give information and driving under suspension; he had 14 priors and a suspended license.

Defense argued that Fields IV did not act with the mental state to cause the wrist fractures, or serious bodily injury, and conceded that he was guilty of simple assault instead for solely punching the victim.

Assistant District Attorney Christie Wilson responded by saying it was an unprovoked attack that ended up causing serious bodily injury to a victim who was over 60.

“After several punches it’s clear the defendant’s actions could knock someone to the ground and cause serious bodily injury,” Wilson said in her closing argument. “This was a 62-year-old victim that was pummeled over and over again, never hit back once, and tried to get away from the defendant.”

Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Karson Arnold filed charges, testified, and attended the entirety of trial.

After the conviction, Judge Spahn increased bail to $600,000.  The defendant is currently in Lancaster County Prison awaiting sentencing.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.