Candidate for Lt. Gov. Shawn Oliver arrested, suspends campaign
Shawn Oliver, a New Bedford City Council member and Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, suspended his campaign after he was arrested early Sunday morning.
Key points
- Shawn Oliver, a Republican candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, was arrested after an alleged drunk driving crash in New Bedford.
- Police said his SUV flipped and hit parked cars around 11:40 p.m. Saturday; five cars were involved.
- Oliver suspended his campaign after running mate Mike Minogue asked him to step aside.
Shawn Oliver, a New Bedford City Council member and Republican candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, was arrested after an alleged drunk driving crash late Saturday night and has suspended his campaign. The crash happened around 11:40 p.m. on Dartmouth Street in New Bedford.
Police said Oliver's SUV flipped over and struck multiple parked cars. Five cars were involved in total and two were heavily damaged. Oliver was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment, and police said he was arrested after an investigation at the crash scene and the hospital.
Charges against Oliver
Oliver is charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and speeding. He represents Ward 3 on the New Bedford City Council and was running for lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket with Mike Minogue.
Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence
— Mike Minogue
Reaction from running mate and party
Minogue released a statement Sunday asking Oliver to suspend his campaign immediately, saying he was "extremely disappointed" and that there is no excuse for driving under the influence. Oliver later released his first statement after the arrest, saying he would end his campaign and asking that his family's privacy be respected.
Massachusetts Republican Party spokeswoman Amy Carnevale said the party supports Oliver's decision, adding that lives were put at risk. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, called the allegations "deeply concerning." Minogue and Oliver were running against incumbent Democrats Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll. A Healey spokesperson said they have no comment. It is unclear what will happen on the Republican side of the ballot in the election, which is just over two weeks away. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
