Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol captured the moment he was nearly run down by a crazed motorist this week. Sokol was doing a segment across the street from a methadone clinic that’s received $25 million in taxpayer dollars. A driver pulled up, recognized him, and berated him for violating people’s privacy.
Sokol was not violating anyone’s privacy, as he was not on the clinic’s property and was recording on a public street. Sokol said the driver might be intoxicated as he pulled away, but the suspect then made a U-turn and tried to run down the journalist. It’s all on film.
Some lunatic just attempted to murder our reporter @iAmJoeSokol. We have the entire chilling interaction on camera. We will take all necessary actions to demand justice. https://t.co/Iwlpf3BWIx
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) October 1, 2026
Official statement on the murder attempt against our reporter: https://t.co/Rwf60w0Vv7
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) October 1, 2026
Meet Ryan Hayward, who faces “reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon” and other charges.
BREAKING: AN ARREST HAS BEEN MADE: Ryan Hayward has been arrested and charged with: -Reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon -Criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon -Driving to endanger -Violating conditions of release https://t.co/hZyiKEQ2Dc
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) October 2, 2026
UPDATE: Ryan Hayward has been ARRESTED after he attempted to run over @TheMaineWire reporter Joe Sokol with his car. He has been charged with multiple crimes, including reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and driving to endanger. https://t.co/6bgQc1RXKc
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 2, 2026
Sokol got his tags as he sped off. It was only a matter of time.