GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate Arrested After Alleged Drunken Crash
Running mate calls for resignation after suspect's vehicle overturns, striking parked cars.
Republican lieutenant governor hopeful Shawn Oliver, 42, was arrested Saturday night after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing his car, which overturned and struck five parked vehicles. The incident occurred in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Oliver faces charges including operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding, according to New Bedford police. He was taken to a local hospital following the crash and later arrested.
Mike Minogue, Oliver's running mate and the Republican gubernatorial candidate, publicly called for Oliver to suspend his campaign. "Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence," Minogue stated on X. He added, "After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation." Minogue also offered his support for Oliver's personal recovery, stating, "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 and Minogue are running against incumbent Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Governor Maura Healey.
Oliver was booked at the Ash Street Jail around 7 a.m. Sunday and released by 9:30 a.m. His wife, Emerald Oliver, declined to comment but indicated her husband was "very hurt" by the events. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell described the allegations as "deeply concerning" and stated, "The public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened."
According to Oliver's campaign website, he was inspired by his father, who ran for City Council, and his uncle, Joseph Oliver, to give back to the city. The site emphasizes Oliver's commitment to "common sense solutions, fiscal responsibility, and accountability to taxpayers." Minogue's campaign platform focuses on affordability, accountability, and community safety.