Shawn Oliver, 42, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and a sitting New Bedford city councilor, suspended his campaign Sunday following a late-night rollover crash and subsequent arrest.
New Bedford Police responded at approximately 11:40 p.m. Saturday to 448 Dartmouth St., where a vehicle had overturned after striking five parked cars, two of which sustained extensive damage.
Oliver was identified by police as the driver and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
Following an investigation conducted at the scene and at the hospital, officers charged Oliver with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue publicly called on Oliver to step aside from the ticket in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt,” Minogue wrote on X, adding, “There is no excuse for driving under the influence.”
Minogue, a businessman and military veteran challenging Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, said he spoke directly with Oliver before issuing his public demand.
“After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation,” Minogue wrote.
Oliver confirmed the suspension on X, stating that “the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.”
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, said in a Facebook statement that he was made aware of the incident Sunday morning, noting the crash occurred in the city’s South End.
“I’m grateful to the New Bedford Police Department for their prompt response and relieved that no one was seriously injured,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell also called on Oliver to address the public directly, saying, “The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened.”
The Massachusetts Department of Correction confirmed that Oliver, who is employed by the department, has been placed on restricted work duty pending a review of all facts and circumstances.
Department spokesman Scott J. Croteau said, “Shawn Oliver has been placed on restricted work duty while all facts and circumstances are reviewed. He is currently assigned to the Massachusetts Treatment Center.”
Minogue used the moment to draw a contrast with his Democratic opponent, writing, “As governor, I will put the Commonwealth first. That starts with accountability, something Massachusetts has not seen from Maura Healey.”
The Republican nominee also urged Oliver to focus on his personal wellbeing, writing, “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.”
The campaign collapse comes weeks before the November election, in which Minogue faces Healey and Democratic Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll seeks another term alongside her.
