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.

Local & State

Portland police investigate possible theft at recycler ecomaine

by Matt Byrne September 16, 2019September 16, 2019

A top manager at ecomaine’s regional recycling facility was fired this year and police have opened a theft investigation.

Local & State, News

Hold the phone: That will soon be illegal behind the wheel

by Matt Byrne September 15, 2019September 15, 2019

Starting Thursday, a new statute requires drivers in Maine to use hands-free technology only, and gives police an easier-to-enforce law to crack down on distracted driving.

Local & State, News

Maine State Police answer questions about new law

by Matt Byrne September 15, 2019September 14, 2019

Starting Thursday, drivers in Maine must use hands-free technology only.

Cops & Courts, Local & State, News

Homeless man in critical condition after assault in Portland

by Matt Byrne September 10, 2019September 10, 2019

Police are investigating an assault that occurred in a homeless encampment around 11 a.m. Monday.

Cops & Courts, Local & State, News

One suspect arrested, police seeking second man in Presque Isle shooting

by Matt Byrne September 9, 2019September 11, 2019

One man was in critical condition after the shooting, and police say he and the suspects knew one another.

Local & State, News

Pedestrian struck by car in Westbrook dies

by Matt Byrne September 6, 2019September 6, 2019

Clifford Verrill, 67, died Friday, a day after he was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of East Bridge and Austin streets.

Cops & Courts, Local & State, News

Attempted traffic stop turns into a rescue after crash and vehicle fire

by Matt Byrne August 30, 2019August 30, 2019

With luck and quick thinking by Deputy Kevin Collins, a 17-year-old boy survived the fiery crash after apparently fleeing from the officer Tuesday night in Waterboro.

Cops & Courts, Local & State, News

With traffic deaths up 24%, police ramp up drunken-driving patrols for holiday weekend

by Matt Byrne August 29, 2019August 30, 2019

Officials expect more than 1 million vehicles on the Maine Turnpike over the Labor Day weekend, and police agencies across Maine will be watching for impaired drivers.