Shawn Oliver OUI Arrest: Mass. Lt. Gov. Candidate Quits Race
The shawn oliver oui arrest has upended the Massachusetts governor’s race two weeks before Election Day: the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor was arrested early Sunday after police say he drove drunk, smashed into several parked cars, and flipped his vehicle in New Bedford — then announced he was suspending his campaign.
Shawn Oliver, 42, a New Bedford city councilor, was arrested after a crash around 11:40 p.m. Saturday on Dartmouth Street, according to the New Bedford Police Department. Officers said his vehicle struck multiple parked cars before overturning; five vehicles were involved, and two sustained extensive damage.
The Crash
Police said Oliver was transported from the scene to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries. After an investigation at the scene and at the hospital, officers placed him under arrest. He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
Oliver was booked at about 6:45 a.m. Sunday and released around 9:30 a.m. on personal recognizance, officials said.
Campaign Suspended
On Sunday, Oliver announced he was stepping aside from the race. “After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Running Mate’s Response
The move followed public pressure from the top of the GOP ticket. Mike Minogue, the Republican nominee for governor, said he was “extremely disappointed” and had called on Oliver to suspend his campaign. “Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt,” Minogue said in a statement. “There is no excuse for driving under the influence.”
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell called the allegations “deeply concerning,” adding that “the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened.”
Oliver had been running alongside Minogue against incumbent Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 3.
Source: WCVB