Reporter Nearly Killed by Driver Outside Methadone Clinic
Investigative journalist nearly run over by driver outside Maine methadone clinic, police investigate.
1 min read
A driver was caught on video nearly running over investigative journalist Joe Sokol outside a methadone clinic in Bangor, Maine, on Thursday. The incident, which The Maine Wire describes as an ‘attempted vehicular homicide,’ occurred as Sokol was reporting on the clinic, which has received over $25 million in taxpayer-funded Medicaid money.
Confrontation and Near-Miss
The driver confronted Sokol, claiming he was invading people’s privacy while conducting his reporting. After driving away, the man returned shortly and nearly struck Sokol and his cameraman. Sokol managed to preserve the license plate of the vehicle involved, which is a Blue Jeep Compass with license plate 841-LZD, according to Maine Wire Editor-in-Chief Steve Robinson.
Possible Intoxication and Ongoing Investigation
Robinson stated that Bangor police are investigating the incident and suspect the driver may have been intoxicated. The Maine Wire is cooperating fully with the investigation, offering vehicle details, social media history, and other relevant information. Robinson emphasized the importance of accountability for the driver and those who may have provided him with intoxicating substances.
A Pattern of Confrontations
This incident is part of a broader pattern of confrontations faced by The Maine Wire reporters in 2026. Jon Fetherston, another reporter for the outlet, was struck with a skateboard during an anti-ICE protest in Biddeford and had his car tire slashed the following day. He also received death threats from protesters.
Investigative Focus on Medicaid Funding
The Maine Wire has consistently reported on government waste and oversight failures in Medicaid-funded programs, including home-care and residential group services. Robinson highlighted the clinic’s taxpayer-funded nature, calling it a ‘taxpayer-funded drug dealing operation.’ The outlet continues its investigations into the clinic and other similar programs.
Source: Daily Caller
