Ryan Hayward arrested for allegedly attempting to run over Maine reporter

Ryan Hayward, 38, was arrested following an incident in Bangor, Maine, where he allegedly attempted to run over Joe Sokol, a reporter for The Maine Wire. The encounter occurred on Thursday morning while Sokol was conducting investigative reporting from public property near the Bangor Comprehensive Treatment Center.

Video footage captured the confrontation, which began with a verbal dispute regarding privacy and confidentiality. After the initial exchange, Hayward allegedly steered his blue Jeep Compass off the roadway and onto the grass, striking Sokol’s camera equipment. Sokol managed to evade the vehicle and was not injured.

According to The Maine Wire’s editor-in-chief, Steve Robinson, Hayward admitted to targeting Sokol due to his political views and familiarity with his content. Hayward faces several charges, including criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, driving to endanger, and violating conditions of release.