Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and a New Bedford city councilor, was arrested on a drunk driving charge late Saturday after police say his SUV hit five parked cars and flipped over on Dartmouth Street.
New Bedford police said officers were called to the crash around 11:40 p.m. Two of the parked cars were extensively damaged. Oliver, 42, was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment, and police said that after an investigation at the scene and at the hospital, he was arrested. He is charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a marked lanes violation. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said Oliver was booked at the Ash Street Jail around 6:45 a.m. Sunday. The New Bedford Light reported he was released on personal recognizance just after 9 a.m. Oliver told a Light reporter outside the jail that he had been in a crash but declined to say more. No arraignment date or statement from a lawyer had been reported as of Sunday afternoon.
His running mate, governor nominee Mike Minogue, said Sunday he was "extremely disappointed." "After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation," Minogue said. Massachusetts Republican Party chairwoman Amy Carnevale said the party was "awaiting additional information." New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell called the allegations "deeply concerning" and said the public "deserves to hear his explanation."
Minogue and Oliver face Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on Nov. 3.
Photo: Joanne Doherty via WCVB
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