NEW BEDFORD, Mass. —
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Shawn Oliver was arrested Sunday morning for driving under the influence of alcohol in New Bedford, Massachusetts, city police and the mayor’s office confirmed.
Oliver, 42, is running alongside businessman Mike Minogue, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the race for Massachusetts governor.
According to the New Bedford Police Department, officers arrived at 448 Dartmouth Street at 11:40 p.m. after receiving a report of an accident involving a car that overturned after striking several other parked vehicles.
After an investigation at the scene of the accident, the driver of the car, Oliver, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, violating marked lanes and speeding.
Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Shortly after the arrest was confirmed, Minogue announced that he had asked Oliver to suspend his campaign for lieutenant governor.
“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no innocent people were hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence. After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and once elected, I will formally request his resignation,” Minogue said. “Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he must put his family first. He needs to do the work so this doesn’t happen again. If he needs help, I will help him.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell also released a statement, saying he was relieved that no one was injured in the crash:
“This morning, I learned that Councilman Shawn Oliver was involved in a car accident on the South Side and taken into custody. I am grateful to the New Bedford Police Department for their quick response and relieved that no one was seriously injured. The allegations against Councilman Oliver are deeply concerning and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened.”
Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale also released a statement on Oliver’s arrest:
“We have just learned of the car accident involving Shawn Oliver. We are awaiting additional information like everyone else,” Carnevale wrote.
According to Oliver’s campaign website, he was born and raised in New Bedford and has been a correctional officer since 2013.
Oliver was elected to the New Bedford City Council in 2023, his website states.
Oliver’s arrest comes just two weeks before Massachusetts voters go to the polls on Election Day, November 3.
NewsCenter 5 will continue to provide updates on Oliver’s arrest as we learn more.
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