UMass student arraigned on assault and battery charges in ambulance incident 

AMHERST — A University of Massachusetts student who allegedly assaulted four public safety personnel while on board an Amherst Fire Department ambulance traveling through Hadley Saturday was arraigned in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown on Monday.

Riley Cronin, 21, of North Andover, pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault and battery on ambulance personnel and one count of assault and battery on a police officer. He was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court Oct. 18.

The charges stem from an incident in which Cronin was being transported from Hobart Lane and unstrapped himself from a stretcher and allegedly punched a paramedic in the back of the head. He allegedly kicked a second paramedic and a third paramedic suffered scrapes while trying to bring him under control. A Hadley police officer who responded was also allegedly assaulted by Cronin. 

Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson said he has spoken to a dean at UMass and, he said he hopes Cronin will be punished under the university’s code of conduct, as well as in the court.

“That guy attacked our people. Period.” Nelson said.