Republican lieutenant governor nominee Shawn Oliver was arrested early Sunday after a late-night crash in New Bedford, Massachusetts, that resulted in his campaign suspension just weeks before the election. Mike Minogue, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, publicly called for Oliver to step aside following the incident.
Oliver, 42, was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding after his SUV rolled over and struck five parked vehicles around 11:40 p.m. on Dartmouth Street. Two of the parked vehicles sustained extensive damage, according to the New Bedford Police Department. Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries before being arrested at the scene.
Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor representing Ward 3, had been running for lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket with Minogue. In a statement released Sunday, Minogue expressed disappointment and called for Oliver to suspend his campaign immediately. "I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt," Minogue said. "There is no excuse for driving under the influence." He added that he would formally request Oliver’s resignation if elected and offered support for his recovery.
The Massachusetts Republican Party also responded to the incident. Amy Carnevale, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, stated, "We just learned of the car accident involving Shawn Oliver. We are awaiting additional information as everyone else." New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, publicly urged Oliver to address the arrest directly.
Police confirmed that Oliver was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details about the extent of the damage or injuries have been released. Oliver has not publicly commented on the charges or his campaign status beyond the suspension announcement.