Bangor, Maine – Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol was filmed narrowly avoiding a collision with a car after a heated exchange with a man outside the Bangor Comprehensive Treatment Center on Thursday. The driver accused Sokol of invading privacy, to which Sokol replied that he was simply reporting in a public space.
Security footage released by the Maine Wire shows the vehicle approaching Sokol at close range before the reporter stepped back, averting a potential run‑over. Sokol can be heard reciting the suspect’s license plate numbers as the car continued driving away.
Police response and ongoing investigation
Sokol confirmed to Fox News Digital that police were notified and were present at the scene. While the suspect has been identified, it is unclear whether he has been apprehended. Sokol noted that this incident is not isolated; he has an active death‑threat investigation pending for over a month and has faced multiple assaults, including a recent charge that was later dropped.
He also referenced a prior near‑attack on his cameraman, Adam Stade, by several homeless individuals, and alleged that a city councilor’s wife asked police to intervene regarding the Wire’s coverage.
Media outlet’s statement
The Maine Wire, which describes itself as conservative‑leaning, issued a statement praising Sokol’s composure under pressure. The statement highlighted the investigation into a methadone clinic that, according to the Wire’s reporting, has received roughly $25 million in Medicaid funding, characterizing it as a taxpayer‑funded operation.
The outlet thanked the Bangor Police Department for their professionalism and pledged to cooperate fully, offering vehicle information, the driver’s social‑media history, and other details to aid the investigation.
Community impact
The incident underscores growing concerns about the safety of journalists covering local issues, especially those involving addiction treatment facilities. Local officials have not yet commented on the matter, but the Bangor Police Department’s involvement suggests a continued focus on protecting reporters while maintaining public order.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
