Republican candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor suspends campaign following YES crash – Boston 25 News

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested Saturday night on a DUI charge following a wild crash in New Bedford.

Oliver was running alongside Mike Minogue, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the race for Massachusetts governor.

“After careful consideration, 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 I ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

“The MassGOP supports Shawn Oliver’s decision to suspend his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Lives have been put in danger, and that is never acceptable. We are now ready to help Shawn get all the help he needs to ensure he never puts himself or others in danger again,” said Amy Carnevale, Chair of the Republican Party of Massachusetts.

“We also recognize that Shawn Oliver holds himself accountable for his actions and faces the consequences of this situation.”

According to New Bedford Police, officers responded to Dartmouth Street around 11:40 p.m. for a motor vehicle accident in which a vehicle overturned after striking several parked cars.

Police said five vehicles were involved in the crash and two of them suffered significant damage.

“It looked like a tornado passed through here; there were cars parked everywhere,” said Dilan Machado, a man who lives near the crash site. “His car was upside down in the middle of the road, the red car was all crushed, his car was here on the grass.”

Machado said his surveillance camera captured Oliver’s car driving past his house just before he crashed.

“It shows him in the middle of the road, past the yellow line, driving at high speed,” Machado said. “My camera is behind the window, so the window is closed, and you can still hear a pretty nasty impact.”

Oliver was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for his injuries. He was subsequently placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, careless operation of a motor vehicle, marked lane violation and speeding.

“Whether he was under the influence, I’m just glad he didn’t die; no life is worth losing over something like that,” Machado said. “I hope he learned a valuable lesson and doesn’t make the same mistake twice because he’s lucky only he was hurt; he could have put someone else’s life in danger, and that’s not acceptable.”

Mayor Jon Mitchell said he learned of the accident, was grateful for the New Bedford Police Department’s quick 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,” Minogue said in a statement. “Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no innocent people were hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.”

“Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he has to put his family first. He has to do the work to make sure this doesn’t happen again. If he needs help, I’ll help him.”

Oliver, 42, was elected to New Bedford city council in 2023, according to his website.

Boston 25 attempted to speak with Oliver at his home on Sunday, but he did not respond.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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