Massachusetts GOP candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign for lieutenant governor after being arrested in a car crash.
Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor and corrections officer, was arrested late Saturday night following a vehicle crash at 448 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford. Police say the vehicle struck five parked vehicles, two of which sustained extensive damage, before flipping over. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for injuries and arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence (OUI), negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
In a social media post, Oliver said he is suspending his campaign because 'the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.' He thanked supporters and asked for family privacy.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue said there is no excuse for driving under the influence. He did not say he asked Oliver to suspend his campaign.
The New Bedford Police Department confirmed officers responded to the crash at 11:40 p.m. Saturday. Oliver was alone at the time of the incident and did not appear to be hurt.
Oliver faces one count of OUI and other charges. Police have not released details about the driver’s blood alcohol level or whether a breath test was conducted.
The incident has disrupted the Republican ticket’s campaign momentum just weeks before the election.
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