Maine Reporter Narrowly Avoids Being Hit by Car During Investigation

Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol narrowly avoided being run over by a vehicle on Thursday morning while he was investigating a methadone clinic that The Maine Wire reports has received approximately $25 million in taxpayer funding through Medicaid. Video footage captured by the publication shows Sokol speaking with a man outside the Bangor Comprehensive Treatment Center, who criticizes the reporter for filming and invading privacy.

As Sokol continued his report, describing the man as "possibly intoxicated," the driver of the vehicle approached him. Sokol quickly backed away, apparently avoiding a collision. The reporter then recited the suspect's license plate numbers through the camera as the car drove away. Additional footage released by The Maine Wire included security camera views showing how close the vehicle came to Sokol.

Sokol then approached the center's owner, accusing the driver, identified as a patient, of attempting to run him over. The owner, however, accused Sokol of intimidation and demanded he leave the property.

Sokol confirmed to Fox News Digital that police were on the scene and that he was investigating the clinic. He stated that he has faced previous threats and assaults, including an active death threat investigation that has been pending for over a month. He also mentioned an incident where his cameraman was nearly attacked and that some local officials have expressed concerns about their reporting.

The Maine Wire released a statement detailing Sokol's investigation into what it described as a "taxpayer-funded drug dealing operation." The publication thanked the Bangor Police Department for their response and stated its intention to cooperate with their investigation, providing details about the driver and the clinic.