Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and a New Bedford city councilor, suspended his campaign Sunday after his arrest following a rollover crash involving several parked vehicles, police said. The incident occurred weeks before the state’s November election.
New Bedford police said officers responded at about 11:40 p.m. Saturday to a crash at 448 Dartmouth St. A vehicle had overturned after hitting five parked vehicles. Two of those vehicles sustained extensive damage, according to police. No serious injuries to other people were reported in the statements described by the source.
Police identified Oliver as the driver and said he was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries. After investigating at the scene and at the hospital, officers arrested him. The charges listed by police are operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked-lanes violation and speeding. The allegations have not been established in court.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue publicly urged Oliver to suspend his campaign. Minogue said he spoke with Oliver before making the request, and wrote on X that he was disappointed and that Oliver was fortunate no one innocent was hurt. He also said there was no excuse for driving under the influence.
Oliver confirmed the campaign suspension in a post on X, saying the election was too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. The supplied account does not include a detailed public explanation from Oliver about the crash or the charges.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said in a Facebook statement that the accident occurred in the city’s South End. Mitchell said Oliver had been taken into custody and expressed relief that no one was seriously injured. He also said the allegations were concerning and called on Oliver to address the incident publicly.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction said Oliver, who works for the department, had been placed on restricted work duty while officials review the facts and circumstances. Department spokesman Scott J. Croteau said Oliver was assigned to the Massachusetts Treatment Center.
Minogue said he would formally ask Oliver to resign if elected governor. He also urged Oliver to focus on his family and said he would help if Oliver needed assistance. Minogue used the episode to criticize Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, arguing that accountability would be a priority under his administration.
The race pits Minogue against Healey, while Democratic Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll is seeking another term. Oliver’s suspension removes him from active campaigning, but the supplied material does not state whether he has withdrawn as the Republican nominee or what procedural steps may follow.
