Norwell teen charged after 4 hit by car in Rockland

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- A Norwell teen is facing 11 charges, including four counts of attempted murder, in connection with a hit-and-run accident.

Authorities arrested 18-year-old Nathan Delaplain-Zook of Norwell after they said he intentionally drove into a group of teenagers on Monday afternoon, hitting three teenage girls and one boy. Two of the girls suffered serious injuries.

Delaplain-Zook appeared in Hingham District court on Tuesday. His lawyer asked for a mental evaluation before the arraignment takes place and bail is set.

A forensic psychologist interviewed him Tuesday and told the court he has been hospitalized three times for mental illness.

The accident happened Monday in a Rockland condo parking lot in front of dozens of people. Witnesses say the fight was supposed to be between a Norwell High School student and a Rockland teen over a girl.

According to the police report, words were exchanged between Delaplain-Zook and someone in the parking lot. A lighter was reportedly thrown at the vehicle, and then it turned around and drove straight at a group of bystanders.

He fled the scene, but police found him and the van he was driving hours later. Delaplain-Zook told officers, 'I'm the one,' according to court paperwork.

In addition to the attempted murder charge, he is also facing multiple counts of leaving the scene of an accident.

Police say the suspect had five friends in the van with him.

"The charge is based on what was done in the driving. Again, this is ongoing, so there's a lot of different stories to this incident," said Deputy Chief Gerard Eramo of the Rockland Police Department.

Witnesses said this was part of a planned "rumble" between teenagers from Rockland and a group of teens from Norwell.

"It was supposed to be a fight between six kids from Norwell and then six kids from Rockland," said Anthony Saturno, a witness.

"I heard the kids say, 'No, don't do it!' and the squealing of tires," added another Kristen Falco, another witness.

Delaplain-Zook allegedly dragged the three girls, who were sitting on the curb. Court paperwork revealed the suspect drove up over a five-foot gravel embankment and left skid marks as he fled the scene.

Witnesses rushed to assist the victims.

"She kept saying, 'Am I going to die? Am I going to die?'..." said Christie, who tried to help the girls.

The victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment. As of Tuesday afternoon, one was still in the hospital.

Delaplain-Zook is being held without bail.

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