Matt Byrne

Portland Press Herald

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
October 21, 2019

In first month, Maine’s hands-free law drives tickets

Police officers wrote 232 tickets under the new ban on using devices while behind the wheel.
Published
October 18, 2019

Wardens rescue group canoeing on remote Piscataquis County lake

Game wardens pulled the canoeists from Ripogenus Lake after high winds caused 2 of the canoes to overturn, sending 5 people into the water.
Published
October 17, 2019

Police say pug was snatched by coyotes in Scarborough, maybe

A resident reported the dog missing Wednesday and told police she suspected coyotes, but there was no evidence that a wild canine was involved, police said.
Published
October 16, 2019

Portland police identify ‘person of interest’ in indecent exposure incidents

Police in Portland are working with their counterparts in Gorham, Sanford and Scarborough on incidents involving lewd conduct by a man.
Published
September 27, 2019

Kayaker finds car stolen in 2017 submerged in Saco River

Water levels are low on the river because of work on a nearby fishway, so the vehicle was visible from the surface.
Published
September 26, 2019

Drug-debt shakedown led to shooting of Naples man, police say

Nathaniel Croteau, 39, was abducted briefly by 2 men, stripped naked and shot as he fled into woods in Casco, police said.
Published
September 24, 2019

Kennebunk crash breaks utility pole, disrupts traffic on Route 1

A car crashed into a utility pole on Route 1 in Kennebunk and briefly shut down the roadway, police said.
Published
September 24, 2019

Missing Gorham teen is found safe

A 13-year-old girl who was reported missing Monday has been found Tuesday, Gorham police said.
Published
September 20, 2019

Maine reports first case of vaping-related illness that has stricken more than 500 nationwide

Health officials have not provided the person’s age and gender, or said where in the state the patient lives.
Published
September 20, 2019

Judge lowers first-time fine for drivers caught holding their phones, but it could go back up

The first offense for holding a cellphone while driving was reduced to $85, including fees, down from $230, bringing the cost in line with what lawmakers intended.