NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Shawn Oliver suspended his campaign after he was arrested Saturday night on an OUI charge following a wild crash in New Bedford.
Oliver was running alongside Mike Minogue, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race.
“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,” he said.
“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 MassGOP supports the decision of Shawn Oliver to suspend his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Lives were put at risk, and that is never acceptable. We now stand to assist Shawn in getting any help he needs to ensure he never puts himself or others in harm’s way again,” said Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale.
“We also recognize that Shawn Oliver is holding himself accountable for his actions and facing the consequences of this situation.”
According to New Bedford police, officers responded to Dartmouth Street around 11:40 p.m. for a reported motor vehicle crash in which a vehicle overturned after striking multiple parked cars.
Police said five vehicles were involved in the crash, and two sustained extensive damage.
“It looked like a tornado came through here; there were cars parked everywhere,” Dilan Machado, a man who lives near where the crash happened, said. “His car was upside down in the middle of the road, the red car was all smashed in, her car was over here on the grass.”
Machado said his surveillance camera caught video of Oliver’s car driving past his home right before he crashed.
“It shows him in the middle of the road past the yellow line going at high speed,” Machado said. “My camera is behind the window so the window’s closed, and you can still hear a pretty nasty impact.”
Oliver was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for his injuries. He was later placed under arrest on charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
“Whether he was under the influence, I’m just glad he’s not dead; no life is worth losing for something like that,” Machado said. “I’m hoping he’s learned a valuable lesson and doesn’t make the same mistake twice because he’s lucky it was only him that got hurt; he could’ve put someone else’s life in danger, and that’s not ok.”
Mayor Jon Mitchell said he learned of the accident, was grateful for the New Bedford Police Department’s prompt response, and was relieved no one was seriously injured.
“The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened,” he said.
“I am extremely disappointed,” said Minogue in a statement. “Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.”
“Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him.”
Oliver, 42, was elected city councilor in New Bedford in 2023, according to his website.
Boston 25 tried to speak with Oliver at his home on Sunday, but he didn’t respond.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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