Matt Byrne

Staff Writer

Matt Byrne has covered crime and public safety for the Press Herald since 2016. It is his second beat since being hired at the Press Herald in late 2012, when he left the Boston Globe's suburban news bureau. Matt grew up outside Philadelphia, moved to Boston to attend Emerson College and now loves living in Maine. When he is not nerding out on court documents or listening to a police scanner, Matt loves to work on old cars, make things out of metal and try new craft beers. Offers to drive your race car, or news tips, are always welcome.

Latest

Published
March 26, 2018

Police seek connection in string of Portland-area armed robberies

A holdup late Monday also is being investigated, as authorities worry that the robberies could lead to an exchange of gunfire.
Published
March 23, 2018

Sanford first-grader threatens to get a gun when asked to share swing set

Margaret Chase Smith School sends a letter to parents informing them of the incident, generating intense discussion in the community amid the heightened vigilance around school shootings.
Published
March 23, 2018

Man who died on Portland street likely overdosed

Police suspect that drugs were involved in the death of Marcus Reed, 46, of North Waterboro, but investigators await toxicology results to confirm the cause.
Published
March 23, 2018

Police investigate links between 4 armed robberies in Greater Portland

Officers from Portland, Falmouth, Westbrook and Cumberland are sharing information about armed robberies at gas stations or convenience stores this week that may be connected.
Published
March 23, 2018

Multi-vehicle crash on Pearl Street snarls traffic in Portland

One person had to be extricated from a vehicle involved in the collision Friday morning, police say.
Published
March 22, 2018

Westbrook police search for armed man who robbed convenience store

The robber displayed a handgun at Good Things Variety on Saco Street shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.
Published
March 22, 2018

Man found unresponsive on street near Maine Medical Center

The 46-year-old man was later pronounced dead, police said.
Published
March 21, 2018

Portland police chief explains body-camera roll-out to small audience

A pilot program involving eight officers will begin in April, and more cameras could be used by the end of the year.
Published
March 21, 2018

Portland police open officer jobs to non-citizens, recent pot users

The policy change is aimed at filling vacancies at a time when departments nationwide are struggling to recruit qualified candidates.
Published
March 15, 2018

Man barred from entering Smiling Hill Farm after goat killed with crossbow

A homeless man, Danny Arnold, 40, has not been charged with the animal’s death, but a judge granted a protection from harassment order against him in connection with incident.