Shawn Oliver steps aside days before election after being charged with driving under the influence in New Bedford incident that damaged multiple vehicles.
Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, suspended his campaign on Sunday after being arrested on charges of operating under the influence following a late-night crash that left his vehicle overturned and several parked cars damaged.
New Bedford police responded around 11:40pm on Saturday to a report of a crash on Dartmouth Street in the city’s South End. Officers found an overturned vehicle that had struck five parked cars, two of which sustained extensive damage. Oliver, 42, a New Bedford city councillor, was identified as the driver. He was taken to St Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries before being arrested.
Candidate Suspends Campaign After DUI Arrest:
Police charged him with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding. He was booked at the Ash Street Jail early on Sunday and later released on bail.
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Oliver said: “After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
The decision followed a public call from his running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, for him to step aside immediately. Minogue, a businessman and military veteran challenging incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey, said he was “extremely disappointed” and noted that Oliver was “lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt.” He added that there was “no excuse for driving under the influence” and that, if elected, he would formally ask for Oliver’s resignation.
DUI Arrest Disrupts Massachusetts Republican Ticket:
Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale supported Oliver’s move, stating that “lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable.” She said the party would assist him in seeking any help needed to ensure he never puts himself or others in harm’s way again.
Oliver’s name remains on the ballot for the 3 November election, less than three weeks away, with early in-person voting already under way. The incident has disrupted the Republican ticket in a state where Democrats currently hold the governorship and lieutenant governorship. Minogue and Oliver had been campaigning as a team against Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
The case is expected to proceed through the New Bedford court system, with an arraignment scheduled. No further details on Oliver’s medical condition or the exact circumstances of the crash have been released beyond the police account.